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adj

heaving

HEE-vihng
adj
1
Informal: very crowded.
"The bar was heaving by midnight."
2
Rising and falling noticeably, especially from strong emotion or effort.
"Her chest was heaving after the sprint."

How to Use Heaving

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither "packed with people" (informal British usage) or visibly rising and falling.

When to use it

"Heaving" meaning crowded is informal British English.

Common pairings
heaving with people heaving crowds a heaving chest

Word Forms

more heaving comparative, heavings plural, most heaving superlative

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The bar was _____ by midnight.

Rhymes for heaving

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial