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 swelling in Ohtani’s knee, however, had already been more persistent than the team had first expected. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026

For lipedema, Power Plate points to research suggesting whole-body vibration boosts lymphatic flow, which may liquefy and drain stubborn lymph fluid, relieve swelling and ease chronic pain. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2026

In rare cases, large amounts can cause throat swelling and difficulty breathing. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026

Doctors removed 610 cc of fluid from around her heart and showed the family X-rays revealing the swelling had grown to roughly twice its normal size. — Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 14 July 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