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

• bump
• knot
• lump
• node
• nodule

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

The swelling on her brain is still not fully gone, causing difficulties with speech and mobility of the right side of her body as well as memory problems. —Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 12 June 2025

The Martian felt better on Tuesday despite some swelling and bruising, but Boone held him out of the lineup. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 3 June 2025

Along with drinking plenty of water and keeping the legs elevated, massaging the legs with magnesium oil might help ease swelling and pain. —Valentina Bottoni, Vogue, 29 May 2025

Risks include hematomas, infections, prolonged swelling and facial nerve injury. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 27 May 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