rising and falling rhythmically or with a swelling motion, as ocean waves or the chest of someone breathing: He ran down the slippery gangway to the heaving deck of the steamer.
characterized by surging or pulsing movement, as of a mass of people or vehicles: When the opening chords of the song rang out, there was a stampede into the heaving mosh pit.She discovered that even in a heaving metropolis it is possible to live in symbiosis with nature.
(of breathing, a sigh, etc.) performed with effort: He felt dizzy from the quick, heaving breaths he was drawing.She let out a heaving sigh and let the wrench clang to the floor.
rising as if thrust up by some force; swelling or bulging: Emergency repairs are required on I-95 due to heaving asphalt caused by years of freezing and thawing.
vomiting or throwing up: Whenever someone mentions motion sickness, I remember that three-hour car trip to Grandma's with a heaving child in the backseat.