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

Doctors say those cases are typically milder, shorter and far less likely to lead to serious complications such as pneumonia or brain swelling. —Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) said he had been diagnosed with synovitis, a swelling of the synovial membrane, with a statement including a photo of Fernandez with strapping on that knee. —Colin Millar, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025

Sebastian was intubated because the swelling from the burns obstructed his airway, reducing his ability to breathe normally, Reynoso added. —Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2025

This helps prevent injection site reactions like swelling and rashes. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 5 Nov. 2025

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