swallow

Formsswallows, swallowing, swallowed

Pluralswallows

1. 1
   verbtransitive

   To make food or drink go down your throat into your stomach. Also, to move your throat this way when nervous.

   Drink some water to help you swallow the pill.

   The baby swallowed a little milk and smiled.

2. 2
   birdnouncountable

   A small bird with long pointed wings and a forked tail that catches insects while flying.

   A swallow built its mud nest under the barn roof.

   Swallows fly south when the weather turns cold.

   Note
3. 3
   verbtransitive

   To take in or use up something completely so it disappears or becomes part of something bigger, often with 'up'.

   The sea swallowed the little boat in one wave.

   Thick fog can swallow the far end of the bridge in minutes.

   UsageYou often hear swallowed by something. You can also add up: swallowed up by the sea.

   Similarconsume, engulf, absorb, devour

   Note
4. 4
   verbtransitive

   To believe something without asking any questions.

   The kids swallowed the story about the magic coin.

   Do not swallow everything you read online.

   UsagePeople often say swallow a story whole. It means believing something too easily.

   Similarbuy, credit

   Oppositedoubt, question, reject

5. 5
   one throat movementnouncountable or uncountable

   One gulp, or the act of swallowing.

   He took the pill with a swallow of water.

   She finished the juice in three swallows.

   Similargulp, mouthful, sip, swig

6. 6
   put up withverbtransitive

   To put up with something unpleasant without fighting back.

   He had to swallow the insult and keep smiling.

   She swallowed her boss's rude comments because she really needed the job.

   UsageUsed with insults or rude words: swallow an insult. With a story, it means believe it.

   Similarendure, accept, bear, tolerate, stand

Showing meanings only. Show all 11