swallow

[ˈswɒləʊ]

[ˈswɑloʊ]

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A swallow is a small bird with a long tail and forked tongue. It's also a verb that means to take or swallow something quickly, usually food.

When we think of swallows, we often picture them flying around water, like rivers or lakes. That's because they love to catch insects in mid-air while swooping over the surface. You might see a flock of swallows gathered near a pond, chasing after mosquitoes and flies with their quick, agile movements. Some people even try to attract swallows to their gardens by putting up nesting boxes or installing special bird feeders that mimic the insects they like to eat.

How common is "swallow"?

Word swallow is considered uncommon in modern English.
It appears most frequently in fiction texts and less often in other writings.

Definitions

noun

A deep chasm or abyss in the earth.
The amount swallowed in one gulp; the act of swallowing.
Example: He took the aspirin with a single swallow of water.
Any of various carbohydrate-based dishes that are swallowed without much chewing.

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verb

To cause (food, drink etc.) to pass from the mouth into the stomach; to take into the stomach through the throat.
To take (something) in so that it disappears; to consume, absorb.
To take food down into the stomach; to make the muscular contractions of the oesophagus to achieve this, often taken as a sign of nervousness or strong emotion.
Example: My throat was so sore that I was unable to swallow.
To accept easily or without questions; to believe, accept.
To engross; to appropriate; usually with up.
To retract; to recant.
Example: to swallow one's opinions
To put up with; to bear patiently or without retaliation.
Example: to swallow an affront or insult