1
: something that is swollen
specifically
: an abnormal bodily protuberance or localized enlargement
2
: the condition of being swollen
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
Too much moisture can seep into cracks, causing swelling, staining, or warping.
—
Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 21 Feb. 2026
Upset Stomach or Indigestion Heart failure can cause abdominal swelling, which can appear as indigestion.
—Nadine Avola, Flow Space, 19 Feb. 2026
The antioxidants are said to reduce swelling and inflammation1.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 19 Feb. 2026
Second-generation antihistamines work by blocking histamine receptors in your skin to reduce itching and swelling.
—Zia Sherrell, Health, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for swelling
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Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 21 Feb. 2026
Upset Stomach or Indigestion Heart failure can cause abdominal swelling, which can appear as indigestion.
—Nadine Avola, Flow Space, 19 Feb. 2026
The antioxidants are said to reduce swelling and inflammation1.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 19 Feb. 2026
Second-generation antihistamines work by blocking histamine receptors in your skin to reduce itching and swelling.
—Zia Sherrell, Health, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for swelling
Cite this Entry
“Swelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swelling. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
swelling
noun
swell·ing
ˈswel-iŋ- 
: an abnormal bodily protuberance or localized enlargement
an inflammatory swelling
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