English · Word Candidate

swallow

/ˈswɒl.əʊ/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: swallows · swallowing · swallowed

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To cause (food, drink etc.) to pass from the mouth into the stomach; to take into the stomach through the throat.

Verb

Examples

What the liquor was I do not know, but it was not so strong but that I could swallow it in great gulps and found it less burning than my burning throat.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To take (something) in so that it disappears; to consume, absorb.

Verb

Examples

The necessary provision of the life swallows the greatest part of their time.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

The amount swallowed in one gulp; the act of swallowing.

Noun

Examples

He took the aspirin with a single swallow of water.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

The opening in a pulley block between the sheave and shell through which the rope passes.

Noun

Examples

In addition, j-lock shackles can pass through the swallow of a modern genoa track even with a sheet in tension already there, and this is very useful when preparing a sail change on the same tack.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “swallow” mean?

To cause (food, drink etc.) to pass from the mouth into the stomach; to take into the stomach through the throat.

Is “swallow” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.