adj · adv · intj · name · noun · verb · 60 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
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Received-Pronunciation:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
General-American:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
rhymes with -ɛl
homophone: wool (interjection or unstressed, some accents)
unstressed:[ˈwɫ̩]
/ˈweɪ/
CMU ARPABET:W EH1 L
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
adj
Meaning 1
In good health.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
I've been sick, but now I'm well.
I've always been a healthy, fit woman, but right now I really don't feel very well.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
2
adj
Meaning 2
Highly satisfactory
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
Everything well with you?
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
3
adj
Meaning 3
Good, content.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
“How are you?” — “I'm well, thank you!”
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
4
adj
Meaning 4
Prudent; good; well-advised.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: uncommon
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
5
adj
Meaning 5
Good to eat; tasty, delicious.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: archaic
Qualifier: now chiefly Bermuda
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
6
adv
Meaning 6
Accurately, competently, satisfactorily.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: manner
Examples
He does his job well.
My RV runs well on diesel.
The jacket looks good and fits you well.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
7
adv
Meaning 7
Completely, fully.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: manner
Examples
I prefer a well done steak.
Cook the potatoes well to ensure they aren't tough.
We’re well beat now.
I was well looked after by close relations.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
8
adv
Meaning 8
To a significant degree.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Qualifier: degree
Examples
That author is well known.
A monument well worth seeing
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
9
adv
Meaning 9
Very (as a general-purpose intensifier).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: Commonwealth, Ireland, UK, slang
Qualifier: degree
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
10
adv
Meaning 10
In a desirable manner; so as one could wish; satisfactorily; favourably; advantageously.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
I'm glad Joe got fired last week. I think we're well rid of him.
October 10, 1714, Alexander Pope, letter to Joseph Addison All the world speaks well of you.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
11
intj
Meaning 11
Used as a discourse marker.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
“So, what have you been doing?” “Well, we went for a picnic; and then it started raining, so we came home early.”
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
12
intj
Meaning 12
Used as a discourse marker.
Used as a hedge.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
“The car is broken.” “Well, we could walk to the movies instead.”
“I didn't like the music.” “Well, I thought it was good.”
I forgot to pack the tent! Well, I guess we’re sleeping under the stars tonight.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
13
intj
Meaning 13
Used as a discourse marker.
Expressing reluctance to say something.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
It was a bit... well, too loud.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
14
intj
Meaning 14
An exclamation of sarcastic surprise (often doubled or tripled and in a lowering intonation).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
Well, well, well, what do we have here?
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
15
intj
Meaning 15
An exclamation of indignance.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
Well! There was no need to say that in front of my mother!
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
16
intj
Meaning 16
Used as a greeting, short for "Are you well?"
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: Ireland
Examples
Well, lads? How's things?
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
17
intj
Meaning 17
Used as a question to demand an answer from someone.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
And what do you think you're doing? ... Well?
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
18
name
Meaning 18
A small village in Long Sutton parish, Hart district, Hampshire, England (OS grid ref SU7646).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
19
name
Meaning 19
A small village and civil parish in East Lindsey district, Lincolnshire, England (OS grid ref TF4473).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
20
name
Meaning 20
A village and civil parish in North Yorkshire, England, previously in Hambleton district (OS grid ref SE2681).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
21
name
Meaning 21
A village in Maasdriel municipality, Gelderland province, Netherlands.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
22
name
Meaning 22
A village in Bergen municipality, Limburg province, Netherlands.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
23
noun
Meaning 23
A hole sunk into the ground as a source of water, oil, natural gas or other fluids.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
24
noun
Meaning 24
A place where a liquid such as water surfaces naturally; a spring.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
25
noun
Meaning 25
A small depression, e.g. suitable for holding liquid or other objects.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
Make a well in the dough mixture and pour in the milk.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
26
noun
Meaning 26
A source of supply.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: figuratively
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
27
noun
Meaning 27
A vertical, cylindrical trunk in a ship, reaching down to the lowest part of the hull, through which the bilge pumps operate.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: nautical, transport
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
28
noun
Meaning 28
The cockpit of a sailboat.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: nautical, transport
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
29
noun
Meaning 29
A compartment in the middle of the hold of a fishing vessel, made tight at the sides, but having holes perforated in the bottom to let in water to keep fish alive while they are transported to market.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: nautical, transport
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
30
noun
Meaning 30
A vertical passage in the stern into which an auxiliary screw propeller may be drawn up out of the water.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: nautical, transport
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
31
noun
Meaning 31
A hole or excavation in the earth, in mining, from which run branches or galleries.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: government, military, politics, war
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
32
noun
Meaning 32
An opening through the floors of a building, as for a staircase or an elevator; a wellhole.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: architecture
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
33
noun
Meaning 33
The open space between the bench and the counsel tables in a courtroom.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
34
noun
Meaning 34
The lower part of a furnace, into which the metal falls.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
39
verb
Meaning 39
To issue forth, as water from the earth; to flow; to spring.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: intransitive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
40
verb
Meaning 40
To have something seep out of the surface.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: intransitive
Examples
Her eyes welled with tears.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
41
adjective
Meaning 41
in good health especially after having suffered illness or injury
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
appears to be entirely well
the wound is nearly well
a well man
I think I'm well; at least I feel well
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: ill
42
adverb
Meaning 42
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (`good' is a nonstandard dialectal variant for `well')
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
the children behaved well
a task well done
the party went well
he slept well
a well-argued thesis
a well-seasoned dish
a well-planned party
the baby can walk pretty good
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: good
Antonyms: ill
43
adverb
Meaning 43
without unusual distress or resentment; with good humor
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
took the joke well
took the tragic news well
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: badly
44
adverb
Meaning 44
indicating high probability; in all likelihood
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
I might well do it
a mistake that could easily have ended in disaster
you may well need your umbrella
he could equally well be trying to deceive us
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: easily
Antonyms: none provided
45
adverb
Meaning 45
thoroughly or completely; fully; often used as a combining form,
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
The problem is well understood
she was well informed
shake well before using
in order to avoid food poisoning be sure the meat is well cooked
well-done beef
well-satisfied customers
well-educated
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
46
adverb
Meaning 46
favorably; with approval
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
their neighbors spoke well of them
he thought well of the book
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: ill
47
adverb
Meaning 47
to a suitable or appropriate extent or degree
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
the project was well underway
the fetus has well developed organs
his father was well pleased with his grades
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
48
adverb
Meaning 48
in financial comfort
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
They live well
she has been able to live comfortably since her husband died
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: comfortably
Antonyms: none provided
49
adverb
Meaning 49
in a manner affording benefit or advantage
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
she married well
The children were settled advantageously in Seattle
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: advantageously
Antonyms: badly
50
adverb
Meaning 50
to a great extent or degree
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
I'm afraid the film was well over budget
painting the room white made it seem considerably (or substantially) larger
the house has fallen considerably in value
the price went up substantially
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: considerably, substantially
Antonyms: none provided
51
adverb
Meaning 51
with skill or in a pleasing manner
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
she dances well
he writes well
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: badly
52
adverb
Meaning 52
with prudence or propriety
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
You would do well to say nothing more
could not well refuse
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
53
adverb
Meaning 53
with great or especially intimate knowledge
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
we knew them well
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: intimately
Antonyms: none provided
54
adverb
Meaning 54
(used for emphasis or as an intensifier) entirely or fully
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
a book well worth reading
was well aware of the difficulties ahead
suspected only too well what might be going on
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
55
noun
Meaning 55
a deep hole or shaft dug or drilled to obtain water or oil or gas or brine
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
an enclosed compartment in a ship or plane for holding something as e.g. fish or a plane's landing gear or for protecting something as e.g. a ship's pumps
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: compartment
Narrower terms: bilge well, pump well
57
noun
Meaning 57
an open shaft through the floors of a building (as for a stairway)
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: shaft
Narrower terms: stairwell
58
noun
Meaning 58
a cavity or vessel used to contain liquid
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: vessel
Narrower terms: inkwell, inkstand
59
noun
Meaning 59
an abundant source
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
she was a well of information
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: wellspring, fountainhead
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: source
60
verb
Meaning 60
come up, as of a liquid
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
Tears well in her eyes
the currents well up
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: swell
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: surface, come up, rise up, rise
History
Etymology
From Middle English wel, wal, wol, wele, from Old English wel (“well, abundantly, very, very easily, very much, fully, quite, nearly”), from Proto-Germanic *wela, *wala (“well”, literally “as wished, as desired”), from Proto-Indo-European *welh1- (“wish, desire”). Cognates Cognate with Yola vella, waal, wel, well, wull (“well”), Cimbrian boll, bóol (“well”), Dutch wel (“well”), German wohl, wol, woll (“well”), Danish, Icelandic, Norwegian Bokmål, and Norwegian Nynorsk vel (“well”), Faroese væl (“well”), Swedish väl, waͤl (“well”), Gothic 𐍅𐌰𐌹𐌻𐌰 (waila, “well”). Related to will.
Most, if not all, of the placenames are derived from the noun well.
From Middle English welle, from Old English wielle (“well”), from Proto-West Germanic *wallijā, from Proto-Germanic *wallijǭ (“well, swirl, wave”), from Proto-Indo-European *welH- (“to turn; wind; roll”). Cognate with West Frisian wel (“well”), Dutch wel (“well”), German Low German Well (“well”), German Welle (“wave”), Danish væld (“well; spring”), Swedish väl (“well”), Icelandic vella (“boiling; bubbling; eruption”).
From Middle English wellen, from a merger of Old English weallan (intransitive) and wiellan (transitive), both meaning “to boil.” Further from Proto-Germanic *wallaną and *wallijaną. Doublet of wall. Cognate with German wallen (“boil, seethe”), Danish vælde (“gush”), Norwegian Nynorsk vella and outside Germanic, with Albanian valë (“hot, boiling”).
Across languages
Translations
891 source translations are retained for this English entry.