swell
verb (used without object)
to grow in bulk, as by the absorption of moisture or the processes of growth.
has been swelling
-
present perfect progressiveof swell (3rd person singular).present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
Cannes and its history form the season’s backdrop: One of the show’s familiar sights during the first three seasons has been swelling waves dramatically crashing against rocks, but you’ll see something different in Season 4.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 27, 2026
The number of homeless people has been swelling in many cities, leading to crackdowns by the police.
From New York Times ● Aug. 20, 2019
That larger undercurrent has been swelling since 1996, when only six states had land-based casinos.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 26, 2016
The North American Interfraternity Conference said the number of brothers has been swelling by four percent every year over the past decade.
From Washington Post ● Mar. 12, 2015
Dissolve one cake of compressed yeast and one-fourth cup of brown sugar in one-half cup of lukewarm water, add two tablespoons of shortening, the oatmeal and the water in which it has been swelling.
From The International Jewish Cook Book 1600 Recipes According to the Jewish Dietary Laws with the Rules for Kashering; the Favorite Recipes of America, Austria, Germany, Russia, France, Poland, Roumania, Etc., Etc. by Florence Kreisler Greenbaum
