swelling

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

Synonyms of swelling

Relevance
See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Symptoms of the allergic reactions at AGS can vary case by case and in severity, but can include hives, angioedema (deep-swelling of the lips, eyes, tongue, and throat), wheezing, gastrointestinal distress and even fatal anaphylaxis. — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026 Rattlesnake bites can cause severe pain, rapid swelling, as well as nausea and trouble breathing. — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026 The gut may also mount an immune response to the parasites, triggering inflammation and swelling. — Jane Yoon Scott, EverydayHealth.com, 7 July 2026 An ultrasound revealed that Geno had complete heart block and hydrops fetalis — a serious condition that causes abnormal fluid buildup in multiple areas of the fetus’s body, leading to severe swelling. — Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for swelling

Word History

First Known Use

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

See All Rhymes for swelling

Browse Nearby Words

swellhead
swelling
swellish
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Swelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swelling. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

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

More from Merriam-Webster on swelling

Nglish: Translation of swelling for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of fulcrum

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 10
See More

Popular

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
banana-mirrored
Contradictory Words Quiz Pick out which word means one thing…and the opp...
See All