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

Ice can help reduce the swelling in and around the joint. —Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024

Cupp’s doctor put him on medications to reduce swelling and high blood pressure and tried a second time to win approval for a left heart catheter examination. —T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 23 Oct. 2024

In the meantime, if the node is painful or just bugging you, resist the urge to touch or squeeze it, Dr. Norton says, which can make the swelling worse. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 30 Oct. 2024

The swelling that had spread to his armpit slowly decreased. —Jackie Fortiér, CBS News, 30 Oct. 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