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
Systemic lupus erythematosus is the most common form of lupus, an autoimmune condition that can cause swelling, fatigue, and inflammation of internal organs and systems, according to the Lupus Foundation of America.
—
Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 5 June 2024
After 25 weeks, patients given the medicine monthly had 81% fewer bouts of severe swelling compared to placebo; when patients were given the drug every two months, the rates were still down 55%.
—Meghana Keshavan, STAT, 31 May 2024
What happens if bed bug bites go untreated? Untreated bed bug bites can cause persistent itching, redness, swelling and irritation.
—Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 29 May 2024
Other symptoms like pain or prolonged swelling may be a sign of an infection.1
Some people develop an alpha-gal allergy, or alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), in response to the bite of a lone star tick.
—Maria Masters, Health, 9 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for swelling 
Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 5 June 2024
After 25 weeks, patients given the medicine monthly had 81% fewer bouts of severe swelling compared to placebo; when patients were given the drug every two months, the rates were still down 55%.
—Meghana Keshavan, STAT, 31 May 2024
What happens if bed bug bites go untreated? Untreated bed bug bites can cause persistent itching, redness, swelling and irritation.
—Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 29 May 2024
Other symptoms like pain or prolonged swelling may be a sign of an infection.1
Some people develop an alpha-gal allergy, or alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), in response to the bite of a lone star tick.
—Maria Masters, Health, 9 June 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 2 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
swelling
noun
swell·ing
ˈswel-iŋ- 
: an abnormal bodily protuberance or localized enlargement
an inflammatory swelling
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