swelling

1 of 2

noun

swell·​ing ˈswe-liŋ 

1

: something that is swollen

specifically : an abnormal bodily protuberance or localized enlargement

2

: the condition of being swollen

swelling

2 of 2

present participle of swell entry 1

Synonyms of swelling

Noun

• lump
• bruise
• bump
• nodule
• node

Examples of swelling in a Sentence

Noun

There was a swelling above her eye.

The swelling around her eye should subside in a few days.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The viral disease causes a blotchy rash and flulike symptoms but can develop into severe, life-threatening illnesses, such as pneumonia and brain swelling. — Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 18 Sep. 2026

My pilot father wouldn’t step foot on a plane without a pair of compression socks to help circulate blood and stop uncomfortable swelling. — Abbey Hudetz, Travel + Leisure, 18 Sep. 2026

One study found that IPC can help reduce swelling, improve mobility and support quality of life by encouraging fluid movement through the lymphatic system. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 17 Sep. 2026

The Cleveland Clinic describes compression therapy as a common treatment for improving lower-leg blood flow, helping veins return blood to the heart and preventing the pooling of blood and swelling. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 17 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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