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

Doctors treat the symptoms such as headache, fever and brain swelling. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 31 Jan. 2026

There’s no vaccine for the virus, which can lead to fevers, brain swelling, and respiratory illness. —Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 28 Jan. 2026

With the red light therapy, the acupuncture pen can also be used to reduce the swelling and inflammation around the pain area. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 28 Jan. 2026

Other possible effects include dizziness, leg swelling, blurred vision and cognitive problems such as confusion or memory issues. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 27 Jan. 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