Definition of the word swallow

The word "swallow" has its roots in Old English. The verb "swelgan" meant "to swallow" or "to gobble down," and it's related to the Proto-Germanic word "*swelgan" and the Proto-Indo-European root "*sel-" which meant "to suck" or "to draw in." The modern English word "swallow" has been used since the 14th century. Initially, it referred to the act of swallowing food or drink, but over time, the term came to be used as a verb for other actions, such as swallowing something whole or absorbing it silently. The bird "swallow" (Hirundo rustica) is actually named after its swift, swallows motions, which reminded people of the act of swallowing. The bird's name has been used in English since the 15th century.