swelling

1 of 2

noun

swell·​ing ˈswe-liŋ 

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

Noun

• lump
• bruise
• bump
• nodule
• node

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.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Symptoms usually affect one breast and can include discoloration, a persistent rash, swelling, warmth, skin that looks pitted like an orange peel and a nipple that turns inward, according to the National Cancer Institute. — ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026

Separate tests by that research shop have yielded data points confirming Donut’s claims about fast charging, high-temperature performance, charge retention, fire resistance, battery swelling, and energy density. — Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2026

The treatments also lowered the production of inflammatory signals that cause long-term swelling, and stimulated new blood vessel formation to nourish healing skin. — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 7 Oct. 2026

Steroid injections can provide relief from the pain and swelling of carpal tunnel syndrome, which occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed in the wrist. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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