swell
verb (used without object)
to grow in bulk, as by the absorption of moisture or the processes of growth.
had swelled
-
past perfectof swell.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
Around 8 a.m., the line had swelled past 50 people and spectators began heading into the courtroom.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 2, 2026
The regime shut down the internet on Jan. 8, the night Sam disappeared, and moved to crush the protests that had swelled in cities nationwide.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 1, 2026
Two years later, when the district voted to send families to collections, the balance had swelled to nearly $80,000.
From Salon ● Sep. 11, 2025
The waiting list had swelled, leaving many young patients waiting years for an appointment.
From New York Times ● May 13, 2024
And when the glad shout had swelled up and died away again, to Sam’s final and complete satisfaction and pure joy, a minstrel of Gondor stood forth, and knelt, and begged leave to sing.
From "The Return of the King" by J.R.R. Tolkien
