swell
verb (used without object)
to grow in bulk, as by the absorption of moisture or the processes of growth.
have swollen
-
present perfectof swell.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
Steady saving by many Americans and a third consecutive year of big gains for U.S. stocks have swollen account balances.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 8, 2025
"After several days of continuous rainfall, our rivers have swollen, impacting several camps and areas in the Maasai Mara National Reserve," the local Narok county government said in a statement.
From BBC ● May 1, 2024
Several people have died recently in fast-moving Northern California rivers that have swollen from melting snow after a record winter.
From Seattle Times ● Jun. 8, 2023
Their assets have swollen to more than $5.6 trillion, from $5.2 trillion in December 2021, when the Fed began talking about impending interest rate increases.
From New York Times ● Apr. 21, 2023
One evening the sweater would look small, and James would come away jubilant; the next it would have swollen over a vast area, and Peter would walk home singing.
From The Clicking of Cuthbert by P. G. (Pelham Grenville) Wodehouse
