1. becomes larger in size or volume
Usage: third person singular present
2. increases in intensity, amount, or degree
Usage: third person singular present

1. long waves that move continuously across the ocean
Usage: nautical; plural
2. gradual increases in loudness or intensity
Usage: music; plural

Examples

• The river swells after heavy rainfall.
• Her ankle swells when she walks too much.
• The crowd swells with excitement during the concert.
• Large swells made sailing difficult today.
• The orchestra played beautiful swells in the symphony.
• Pride swells in her heart when she sees her children succeed.
• Ocean swells can reach heights of twenty feet.
• The music swells to a dramatic climax.