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

This is also linked to a change known as Darier’s sign, which is a common finding in mastocytosis, where rubbing a skin lesion causes redness or swelling. —Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 15 May 2026

The swelling came courtesy of steroids, the steroids courtesy of everything that was wrong with her. —Stephen King, The Atlantic, 15 May 2026

Instead, wash the bite with soap and water, keep the extremity that was bitten lower than the heart, cover the bite with a cool compress to reduce swelling, and call 911 or go to the closest emergency room. —Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 13 May 2026

He was later examined in July and diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency after displaying visible swelling in his lower legs near his ankles. —Joey Garrison, USA Today, 12 May 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