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
Sneed played with an ailing knee in his final year in Kansas City, an injury that dated back to missing a dozen training camp practices with swelling.
—
Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2026
The outbreaks of the highly contagious virus - which can lead to brain swelling, deafness and death - came as parents are opting school-age kids out of vaccinations at a record-high rate.
—Kate Wells, NPR, 2 June 2026
When Saint's pediatrician saw the extent of the swelling, the doctor initially worried the problem could be something more serious than an insect bite.
—Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 2 June 2026
Patients also frequently dealt with stomatitis – painful swelling and sores inside the mouth – as well as diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
—Christopher Lieu, The Conversation, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for swelling
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Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2026
The outbreaks of the highly contagious virus - which can lead to brain swelling, deafness and death - came as parents are opting school-age kids out of vaccinations at a record-high rate.
—Kate Wells, NPR, 2 June 2026
When Saint's pediatrician saw the extent of the swelling, the doctor initially worried the problem could be something more serious than an insect bite.
—Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 2 June 2026
Patients also frequently dealt with stomatitis – painful swelling and sores inside the mouth – as well as diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
—Christopher Lieu, The Conversation, 2 June 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 11 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
swelling
noun
swell·ing
ˈswel-iŋ- 
: an abnormal bodily protuberance or localized enlargement
an inflammatory swelling
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