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
One major drawback with solid-state batteries, Wood Mackenzie’s Reid said, is the swelling of the battery during charging and, ultimately, the degradation of the cell after extensive recharging.
—
Sam Meredith, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2024
Sure, there are spot treatments with acne-targeting ingredients such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, which can help diminish the swelling and size of lesions.
—Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 14 Oct. 2024
Expect a thorough exam, during which the provider will palpate (touch) the bicep, check for swelling or tenderness, and assess your range of motion and strength.
—Sarah Jividen, Health, 11 Oct. 2024
According to Orkin, the giant desert centipede’s bite can cause sharp, burning pain and significant swelling.
—Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 25 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for swelling 
Sam Meredith, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2024
Sure, there are spot treatments with acne-targeting ingredients such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, which can help diminish the swelling and size of lesions.
—Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 14 Oct. 2024
Expect a thorough exam, during which the provider will palpate (touch) the bicep, check for swelling or tenderness, and assess your range of motion and strength.
—Sarah Jividen, Health, 11 Oct. 2024
According to Orkin, the giant desert centipede’s bite can cause sharp, burning pain and significant swelling.
—Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 25 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for swelling
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'swelling.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Swelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swelling. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
swelling
noun
swell·ing
ˈswel-iŋ- 
: an abnormal bodily protuberance or localized enlargement
an inflammatory swelling
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