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
People usually seek medical attention after experiencing worrisome symptoms, including hives, dizziness, difficulty breathing and swelling of the lips, throat, tongue or eyelids.
—
Matthew Perrone, Fortune, 13 June 2026
Roberts said the swelling is in the back of the knee.
—ABC News, 12 June 2026
The origin of that swelling is not entirely clear.
—Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026
Mark the edge of the swelling on the bite and make note of the time — the spread from the original mark can indicate how fast the venom is spreading.
—Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for swelling
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Matthew Perrone, Fortune, 13 June 2026
Roberts said the swelling is in the back of the knee.
—ABC News, 12 June 2026
The origin of that swelling is not entirely clear.
—Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026
Mark the edge of the swelling on the bite and make note of the time — the spread from the original mark can indicate how fast the venom is spreading.
—Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for swelling
Cite this Entry
“Swelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swelling. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
swelling
noun
swell·ing
ˈswel-iŋ- 
: an abnormal bodily protuberance or localized enlargement
an inflammatory swelling
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