swell
verb (used without object)
to grow in bulk, as by the absorption of moisture or the processes of growth.
had been swelling
-
past perfect progressiveof swell.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
If Dasani were to describe — in a figurative way — what happens on Jan. 8, 2016, she would say that her anger had been swelling like a giant cloud.
From New York Times ● Sep. 28, 2021
Peking's population had been swelling with people fleeing as parts of China fell to the Japanese.
From BBC ● Jan. 7, 2019
Her hands had been swelling and turning purple, her joints hurt and she was losing her hair.
From The Guardian ● Mar. 11, 2016
My hands clenched at my side, all of the anxiety and distrust that had been swelling up inside of me over the past few hours coming to a head.
From "The Darkest Minds" by Alexandra Bracken
Great thoughts had been swelling in his bosom for some time past, and perchance he was affected by the suggestion that the cruel practice of deserting the aged was not altogether unknown in his tribe.
From The Prairie Chief by R. M. (Robert Michael) Ballantyne
