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
That can lead to swelling and enlargement of hemorrhoids.
—
Sarah Garone, Health, 30 Apr. 2026
An infant’s accidental exposure to an infected child can mean serious illness, brain swelling and sometimes death.
—Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
The KalVista medicine, called Ekterly, is a pill used to treat acute swelling attacks in people with hereditary angioedema.
—Elaine Chen, STAT, 29 Apr. 2026
External hemorrhoids are closer to the anal opening and may cause itching, swelling, bleeding, or severe pain if a blood clot forms.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for swelling
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Sarah Garone, Health, 30 Apr. 2026
An infant’s accidental exposure to an infected child can mean serious illness, brain swelling and sometimes death.
—Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
The KalVista medicine, called Ekterly, is a pill used to treat acute swelling attacks in people with hereditary angioedema.
—Elaine Chen, STAT, 29 Apr. 2026
External hemorrhoids are closer to the anal opening and may cause itching, swelling, bleeding, or severe pain if a blood clot forms.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 29 Apr. 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 3 May. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
swelling
noun
swell·ing
ˈswel-iŋ- 
: an abnormal bodily protuberance or localized enlargement
an inflammatory swelling
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