swelter
verb (used without object)
to suffer from oppressive heat.
was sweltering
-
past progressiveof swelter.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Much of Western Europe was sweltering in a gruelling heatwave on Friday with the mercury expected to continue rising in the coming days, likely shattering yet more temperature records.
From Barron's ● Jun. 19, 2026
Brazil was sweltering through its eighth heat wave of the year — and it’s only spring.
From Salon ● Nov. 27, 2023
At a homeless encampment dubbed the Lost City, hidden behind a cluster of pine trees off Highway 95, Charles Johnson was sweltering.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 24, 2023
Discussions got underway as China was sweltering under a heat wave.
From New York Times ● Jul. 17, 2023
It was an oppressively hot and muggy day, and it was sweltering inside the crowded space of Independence Hall.
From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling
