swelling

noun

swell·​ing ˈswe-liŋ 

1

: something that is swollen

specifically : an abnormal bodily protuberance or localized enlargement

2

: the condition of being swollen

Synonyms of swelling

• lump
• bruise
• bump
• nodule
• node

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

Researchers have developed a portable compression sleeve that could replace bulky post-cancer swelling therapy machines with a wearable system about the size of a smartphone. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 21 Mar. 2026

Each day that went by, the swelling was getting better and better. —Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 21 Mar. 2026

Those who don’t follow the rest guidelines run a small risk of complications, including bruising or swelling of the scrotum, infection or, more rarely, post-vasectomy pain syndrome, a chronic pain condition affecting the testicles. —Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026

Justin Simpson had to have a large portion of his skull removed due to brain swelling. —Jenna Deangelis, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for swelling

• belling
• celling
• dwelling
• fehling
• felling
• gelling
• pelling
• quelling
• selling
• shelling
• smelling
• spelling

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- 

: an abnormal bodily protuberance or localized enlargement

an inflammatory swelling