1
: something that is swollen
specifically
: an abnormal bodily protuberance or localized enlargement
2
: the condition of being swollen
Examples of swelling in a Sentence
There was a swelling above her eye.
The swelling around her eye should subside in a few days.
Recent Examples on the Web
Olive oil may benefit people with inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune condition that causes joint pain, swelling, and inflammation.
—
Jillian Kubala, Health, 1 Oct. 2025
Mings, 32, has had further assessments after the swelling on his ankle reduced.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
In these cases, drinking excessive amounts can overload your system, causing swelling, shortness of breath or dangerous electrolyte imbalances.
—Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025
Fox 4 reported that doctors at the Dallas Regional Medical Center said the infant boy had a skull fracture, brain swelling, brain bleeding, and multiple rib fractures, according to the police affidavit.
—Sean Neumann, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for swelling
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Jillian Kubala, Health, 1 Oct. 2025
Mings, 32, has had further assessments after the swelling on his ankle reduced.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
In these cases, drinking excessive amounts can overload your system, causing swelling, shortness of breath or dangerous electrolyte imbalances.
—Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025
Fox 4 reported that doctors at the Dallas Regional Medical Center said the infant boy had a skull fracture, brain swelling, brain bleeding, and multiple rib fractures, according to the police affidavit.
—Sean Neumann, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for swelling
Cite this Entry
“Swelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swelling. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
swelling
noun
swell·ing
ˈswel-iŋ- 
: an abnormal bodily protuberance or localized enlargement
an inflammatory swelling
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