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

The most common symptoms of the virus include fever and joint pain, though patients may also experience headache, muscle pain, joint swelling or a rash, according to health officials. —Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 8 Dec. 2025

Notice the swelling at the base of the branch? —Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Dec. 2025

Severe allergic reactions, which include difficulty breathing or swelling of the face and throat, should receive immediate emergency medical attention. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 5 Dec. 2025

Infectious diseases including mumps, whooping cough, and scrofula (a neck swelling, often caused by tuberculosis) are more frequently associated with supernatural cures. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 4 Dec. 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