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

In addition to complications like pneumonia, dehydration, and ear infections, between one and three in 1,000 children will develop encephalitis — irritation and swelling of the brain — either during their measles infection, or several months later. —Elizabeth Yuko, Rolling Stone, 7 Feb. 2026

Framing perfectly normal facial swelling as evidence of an underlying health problem is, at best, disingenuous. —Georgia Casey, Allure, 6 Feb. 2026

Doctors worry in particular about unprotected young children, for whom severe complications — pneumonia, brain swelling and blindness — are more common. —CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026

Fluid then accumulates in the joint, causing swelling and stiffness. —Michal Ruprecht, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 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