sweal

verb

ˈswēl,
especially before pause or consonant -ēəl
-ed/-ing/-s

intransitive verb

1
chiefly dialectal, of a candle : to melt away : gutter
2
chiefly dialectal : to waste away

transitive verb

chiefly dialectal : burn

Word History

Etymology

Middle English swailen, sweilen, swelen, partly from Old English swelan (vi) to burn; partly from Old English swǣlan (vt) to cause to burn

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near sweal

Cite this Entry

“Sweal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sweal. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!