What does swallow mean?
Swallow is a versatile English word with several closely related meanings. As a noun, it can refer to a small, fast-flying bird recognized by its pointed wings and forked tail, or to the act of taking food or liquid into the mouth, as in “a swallow of water.” As a verb, it means to ingest something by passing it through the throat. In figurative contexts, it describes accepting a decision or criticism without protest, as in “swallowing their complaints,” and also means to suppress words or emotions. These meanings share an image of something being taken in, contained, or kept inside. The word is common in everyday speech, formal reporting, and literary description, while figurative expressions such as “swallow one’s pride” add a more emotional or metaphorical tone.
A small, slender bird with pointed wings, a forked tail, and agile flight.
"A swallow perched on the telephone wire."
The act of swallowing, or the quantity of something taken into the mouth at one time.
"He took a large swallow of cold water."
To pass food, drink, or another substance through the throat into the stomach.
"The snake swallowed the mouse whole."
To accept something without protest, or to keep words or feelings from being expressed.
"She swallowed the criticism and remained silent."
The plural refers to multiple birds or multiple acts or quantities of swallowing.
"Two swallows circled above the garden."
A swallow is both a bird and a bodily action: the same word that names a swift, elegant flier also describes taking food into the body or keeping words inside.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does swallow come from?
The English word has two historically related but distinct origins. The bird name comes from Old English swelwe, referring to a swallow, and is cognate with words in several Germanic languages. The verb meaning “to ingest” comes from Old English swelgan, related to words such as German schlingen and Swedish svälja. The figurative sense of accepting or suppressing something developed from the physical idea of taking something into the body and keeping it there.
Related word forms
How swallow is actually used
The noun and verb are pronounced alike in standard British and American English. The verb meaning “to keep from being expressed” is figurative and commonly appears in expressions such as “swallow one’s words.” The bird noun is widespread; “swallow” can also refer specifically to birds of the swallow family.
Easily confused with swallow
Sallow means pale or yellowish, especially in relation to skin, whereas swallow usually refers to the bird, the act of ingesting, or the sound of a gulp.
Hollow means empty inside or lacking substance, while swallow is a bird or a verb meaning to ingest or keep from being expressed.