Dictionary definition · swell
noun
- the undulating movement of the surface of the open sea
- a rounded elevation (especially one on an ocean floor)
- a crescendo followed by a decrescendo
- a man who is much concerned with his dress and appearance
verb
- increase in size, magnitude, number, or intensity"The music swelled to a crescendo"
- become filled with pride, arrogance, or anger"The mother was swelling with importance when she spoke of her son"
- expand abnormally"The bellies of the starving children are swelling"
- come up (as of feelings and thoughts, or other ephemeral things)"Strong emotions welled up"
- come up, as of a liquid"Tears well in her eyes"
- cause to become swollen"The water swells the wood"
adjective
- excellent"he did a bully job"
Source: Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).