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
The disease may lead to chronic fatigue, joint swelling, skin rashes, headaches and more.
—
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
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It’s estimated that 10 million Americans — and many more worldwide — suffer from a condition known as lymphedema — a swelling of various parts of the body caused by fluid blockage in the lymphatic system.
—Matt Benoit, Discover Magazine, 6 Dec. 2024
Screenings might include a medical professional feeling for lumps in the neck or swelling of the lymph nodes or voice box.
—Kimi Robinson, USA TODAY, 30 Nov. 2024
The television star said he was shocked when he was diagnosed in October after an upper respiratory infection caused major swelling in his lymph nodes.
—Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 13 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for swelling 
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Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
Newsletter Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
It’s estimated that 10 million Americans — and many more worldwide — suffer from a condition known as lymphedema — a swelling of various parts of the body caused by fluid blockage in the lymphatic system.
—Matt Benoit, Discover Magazine, 6 Dec. 2024
Screenings might include a medical professional feeling for lumps in the neck or swelling of the lymph nodes or voice box.
—Kimi Robinson, USA TODAY, 30 Nov. 2024
The television star said he was shocked when he was diagnosed in October after an upper respiratory infection caused major swelling in his lymph nodes.
—Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 13 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for swelling
Articles Related to swelling
Dictionary Entries Near swelling
Cite this Entry
“Swelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swelling. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
swelling
noun
swell·ing
ˈswel-iŋ- 
: an abnormal bodily protuberance or localized enlargement
an inflammatory swelling
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