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

My grandparents have found that compression socks help relieve some of the discomfort and swelling that comes from prolonged restricted movement by stimulating circulation in your legs. — Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 8 Aug. 2026

Because the bite can initially feel painless and leave little swelling, victims may not realize they have been envenomed until paralysis begins. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 6 Aug. 2026

The victim, station agent Tamika Davis, suffered a gash to her face, swelling, and pain. — Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026

His thumb worsened on Sunday against the Padres, but the swelling has since started to subside. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 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