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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
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
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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
Articles Related to swelling
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-
: an abnormal bodily protuberance or localized enlargement
an inflammatory swelling
More from Merriam-Webster on swelling
Nglish: Translation of swelling for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of swelling for Arabic Speakers
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