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

Google Cloud's growth and swelling backlog suggest enterprise demand for AI computing remains robust and offers an excuse to keep spending and building. — Paulina Likos, CNBC, 24 July 2026

Beretti, unable to walk because of the painful swelling, managed to drive to an urgent care center four days later. — Ella Moore july 23, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026

Beyond the torn tissue itself, internal bleeding and swelling can intensify the agony. — Angela Haupt, Time, 22 July 2026

In the first few days after a hair transplant, patients might notice redness, swelling, crusting, and sensitivity. — Nia Bowers, USA Today, 22 July 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