swelling

noun

swell·​ing ˈswe-liŋ How to pronounce swelling (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 Even with the swelling, Rizzo still went 6-for-14 in a series when the Yankees batted .250. Larry Fleisher, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024 One major drawback with solid-state batteries, Wood Mackenzie’s Reid said, is the swelling of the battery during charging and, ultimately, the degradation of the cell after extensive recharging. Sam Meredith, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for swelling 

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of swelling was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near swelling

Cite this Entry

“Swelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swelling. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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- How to pronounce swelling (audio)
: an abnormal bodily protuberance or localized enlargement
an inflammatory swelling

More from Merriam-Webster on swelling

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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