well

noun

\ ˈwel

Definition of well

(Entry 1 of 5)

1a : an issue of water from the earth : a pool fed by a spring

b : source, origin

2a : a pit or hole sunk into the earth to reach a supply of water

b : a shaft or hole sunk to obtain oil, brine, or gas

3a : an enclosure in the middle of a ship's hold to protect from damage and facilitate the inspection of the pumps

b : a compartment in the hold of a fishing boat in which fish are kept alive

4 : an open space extending vertically through floors of a structure

5a : a space having a construction or shape suggesting a well for water

b : the area behind a bar in which items used most frequently by a bartender are kept

6a : something resembling a well in being damp, cool, deep, or dark

b : a deep vertical hole

c : a source from which something may be drawn as needed

7 : a pronounced minimum of a variable in physics a potential well

well

verb

welled; welling; wells

Definition of well (Entry 2 of 5)

intransitive verb

1 : to rise to the surface and usually flow forth tears welled from her eyes

2 : to rise like a flood of liquid longing welled up in his breast

transitive verb

: to emit in a copious free flow

well

adverb

better\ ˈbe-tər

\; best\ ˈbest

Definition of well (Entry 3 of 5)

1a : in a good or proper manner : justly, rightly

b : satisfactorily with respect to conduct or action did well in math works well under pressure

2 : in a kindly or friendly manner spoke well of your idea wished them well

3a : with skill or aptitude : expertly, excellently paints well

b : satisfactorily the plan worked well

c : with good appearance or effect : elegantly carried himself well

4 : with careful or close attention : attentively watch well what I do

5 : to a high degree well deserved the honor a well-equipped kitchen —often used as an intensifier or qualifier there are … vacancies pretty well all the time — Listener

6 : fully, quite well worth the price

7a : in a way appropriate to the facts or circumstances : fittingly, rightly well said

b : in a prudent manner : sensibly —used with do you would do well to reread the material

8 : in accordance with the occasion or circumstances : with propriety or good reason cannot well refuse the decision may well be questioned

9a : as one could wish : pleasingly the idea didn't sit well with her

b : with material success : advantageously married well

10a : easily, readily could well afford a new car

b : in all likelihood : indeed it may well be true

11 : in a prosperous or affluent manner he lives well

12 : to an extent approaching completeness : thoroughly after being well dried with a towel

13 : without doubt or question : clearly well knew the penalty

14 : in a familiar manner knew her well

15 : to a large extent or degree : considerably, far well over a million

as well

1 : in addition : also there were other features as well

2 : to the same extent or degree : as much open as well to the poor as to the rich

3 : with equivalent, comparable, or more favorable effect might just as well have stayed home

well

interjection

Definition of well (Entry 4 of 5)

1 —used to indicate resumption of discourse or to introduce a remark they are, well, not quite what you'd expect

2 —used to express surprise or expostulation well, what have we here?

well

adjective

Definition of well (Entry 5 of 5)

1a : prosperous, well-off

b : being in satisfactory condition or circumstances

2 : being in good standing or favor

3 : satisfactory, pleasing all's well that ends well

4 : advisable, desirable it might be well for you to leave

5a : free or recovered from infirmity or disease : healthy he's not a well man

b : completely cured or healed the wound is nearly well

6 : pleasing or satisfactory in appearance our garden looks well— Conrad Aiken

7 : being a cause for thankfulness : fortunate it is well that this has happened

8 of liquor : used for making mixed drinks when no branded alcohol is specified also : made with well liquor a well drink

well

Definition of well

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