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

Her was later diagnosed with an ischemic stroke — in which blood can't reach the brain properly — and underwent two surgeries to stop the clots and to relieve the swelling in her brain. —David Chiu, Peoplemag, 15 Sep. 2024

Pressing a warm, damp washcloth or towel onto your trouble spot can be a great way to bring down the swelling. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 13 Sep. 2024

Walking around in these babies seemed to positively affect the swelling. —Joe Jackson, Outside Online, 13 Sep. 2024

Dave Roberts said the team would have a better idea of Kershaw’s potential return date when the swelling in his toe goes down. —Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2024

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