congest

verb

con·​gest kən-ˈjest How to pronounce congest (audio)
congested; congesting; congests

transitive verb

1
: to concentrate in a small or narrow space
2
: to cause an excessive accumulation especially of blood or mucus in (such as an organ or part)
3
: clog
traffic congested the highways
congestion noun
congestive adjective

Examples of congest in a Sentence

the usual weekend traffic congested the region's highways
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ipswich congested the midfield well (particularly in the first half), meaning United’s attempts to play two-touch, pass-and-move football lacked finesse. Carl Anka, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024 Keep traffic conditions in mind: Roadways outside of the airport will also be congested. American-Statesman Staff, Austin American-Statesman, 5 Apr. 2024 The roads are congested, the store shelves are brimming with fresh produce, and the restaurants are respectably busy. John Rapley, Foreign Affairs, 14 May 2018 Traffic has been massively congested, and some gas stations report running out of fuel. Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for congest 

Word History

Etymology

Latin congestus, past participle of congerere to bring together, from com- + gerere to bear

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of congest was in 1599

Dictionary Entries Near congest

Cite this Entry

“Congest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/congest. Accessed 11 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

congest

verb
con·​gest kən-ˈjest How to pronounce congest (audio)
1
: to cause an excessive accumulation especially of blood or mucus in (as an organ or body part)
2
: to block by filling too full : clog, overcrowd
congested streets
congestion
-ˈjes-chən How to pronounce congest (audio)
-ˈjesh-
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on congest

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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