swelling

1 of 2

noun

swell·​ing ˈswe-liŋ How to pronounce swelling (audio)
Synonyms of swellingnext
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

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Noun

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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.
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Noun
These include a severe or persistent headache, changes in vision such as blurred vision or seeing spots, pain in the upper abdomen, significant swelling of the face or hands, shortness of breath, and nausea or vomiting later in pregnancy. — Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026 The bird has several minor wounds with areas of swelling, but x-rays showed nothing was broken, according to the wildlife center. — Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026 With contact dermatitis, a product like a soap or chemical irritates the skin or causes an allergic reaction, leading to symptoms like itching, discoloration, swelling, or even blisters. — Ayren Jackson-Cannady, Allure, 20 Aug. 2026 Then, in late May 1986, Kontras, whose tall, athletic build discloses a lifelong dedication to good health, noticed a swelling on the left side of his back that was numb to the touch. — Jeff Murray, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for swelling

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of swelling was before the 12th century

Rhymes for swelling

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Browse Nearby Words

swellhead
swelling
swellish
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Cite this Entry

“Swelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swelling. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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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- How to pronounce swelling (audio)
: an abnormal bodily protuberance or localized enlargement
an inflammatory swelling
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