swelling

noun

swell·​ing ˈswe-liŋ 

1

: something that is swollen

specifically : an abnormal bodily protuberance or localized enlargement

2

: the condition of being swollen

Synonyms

• bump
• knot
• lump
• node
• nodule

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

There wasn’t that much pain, and the swelling was minor. —Hailey Salvian, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025

Ice: Apply ice for the first 48 hours for 10–20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling and pain. —Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 4 Feb. 2025

As their name suggests, these garments are tighter than standard socks and work by applying pressure to the legs to improve blood flow, helping to reduce swelling and discomfort. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 31 Jan. 2025

That swelling is a result of rising magma pressing beneath the mountain’s thin surface. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 28 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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