swelling

1 of 2

noun

swell·​ing ˈswe-liŋ How to pronounce swelling (audio)
Synonyms of swellingnext
1
: something that is swollen
specifically : an abnormal bodily protuberance or localized enlargement
2
: the condition of being swollen

swelling

2 of 2

present participle of swell entry 1

Synonyms of swelling

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Noun

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Examples of swelling in a Sentence

Noun There was a swelling above her eye. The swelling around her eye should subside in a few days.
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Noun
Another biopsy confirmed it; the swelling in her neck was where the cancer had spread. — Angela Haupt, Time, 16 Oct. 2026 Those who have blood clots typically first develop swelling, pain or redness along the affected area and an ultrasound is used to diagnose it and search for deeper blood clots, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. — ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026 The officer had facial swelling and arm pain and was taken to a local hospital for treatment, a state prosecutor said in court Monday. — Mark Morales, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026 Some of those complications include brain swelling, pneumonia, severe dehydration and immune amnesia. — Chris Hoffman, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for swelling

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of swelling was before the 12th century

Rhymes for swelling

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Browse Nearby Words

swellhead
swelling
swellish
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Cite this Entry

“Swelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swelling. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

swelling

noun
swell·​ing
ˈswel-iŋ
1
: something that is swollen
especially : a swollen part of the body
2
: the condition of being swollen

Medical Definition

swelling

noun
swell·​ing ˈswel-iŋ- How to pronounce swelling (audio)
: an abnormal bodily protuberance or localized enlargement
an inflammatory swelling
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