congest

verb

con·​gest kən-ˈjest How to pronounce congest (audio)
congested; congesting; congests

transitive verb

1
: to concentrate in a small or narrow space
2
: to cause an excessive accumulation especially of blood or mucus in (such as an organ or part)
3
: clog
traffic congested the highways
congestion noun
congestive adjective

Examples of congest in a Sentence

the usual weekend traffic congested the region's highways
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The other side: The launch raises questions about the proliferation of electric vehicles that congest our sidewalks. Martin Vassolo, Axios, 4 Mar. 2025 Reagan Airport presents unique challenges for pilots — limits on where commercial flights are allowed to fly and skies congested with military aircraft. Elizabeth Both, NBC News, 31 Jan. 2025 The intersection of Southeast Walton and Medical Center Parkway is currently congested with lines more than 2,000 feet long at times, the release states. Nwa Democrat-Gazette, arkansasonline.com, 30 Jan. 2025 Pathways to the first team can become almost impossibly congested. Oliver Kay, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for congest

Word History

Etymology

Latin congestus, past participle of congerere to bring together, from com- + gerere to bear

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of congest was in 1599

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Congest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/congest. Accessed 11 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

congest

verb
con·​gest kən-ˈjest How to pronounce congest (audio)
1
: to cause an excessive accumulation especially of blood or mucus in (as an organ or body part)
2
: to block by filling too full : clog, overcrowd
congested streets
congestion
-ˈjes-chən How to pronounce congest (audio)
-ˈjesh-
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on congest

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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