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

Subsequent scans would reveal a one-inch indentation to her left temple and brain swelling. —Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 29 May 2026

Consuming gluten with a wheat allergy may result in vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash, nasal congestion, hives, swelling, and even life-threatening anaphylactic shock. —Christina Manian, Health, 29 May 2026

The 32-year-old officer suffered minor pain and swelling, police said. —Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 29 May 2026

Claudication that doesn’t improve, wounds that won’t heal, sudden severe swelling and new numbness all warrant a clinician visit. —Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 28 May 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