swelling

noun

swell·​ing ˈswe-liŋ How to pronounce swelling (audio)
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
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.
The final selfie Gilford shared showed that the swelling was already reduced significantly. Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024 Four-year-old bucks show significant swelling, with heavy shoulders and an enlarged brisket and neck. Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 19 Dec. 2024 Signs of advanced gallbladder cancer include a loss of appetite, unintended weight loss, abdominal swelling, and dark urine. Doru Paul, Health, 20 Nov. 2024 Doctors were able to reattach part of her skull sooner than planned because of how much the swelling in her brain had subsided, her husband said. Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 18 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near swelling

Cite this Entry

“Swelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swelling. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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