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
She’s been tested for Celiac disease, in which the gluten found in wheat, barley, rye, and other foods can trigger an intestine-damaging immune response, and Crohn’s disease, an autoimmune disease that causes swelling and severe inflammation in the digestive tract.
—
Julia Sullivan, SELF, 22 Jan. 2025
Lymphatic massage was a must, especially in the beginning when my swelling was at its worst.
—Meirav Devash, Allure, 17 Jan. 2025
This can lead to transient swelling and minor asymmetries that can take 10-14 days to fully subside.
—Jackie Fields, People.com, 15 Jan. 2025
Five-year-old bucks and older exhibit even more body weight with heavy swelling of the neck, shoulders, and brisket.
—Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 19 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for swelling 
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Julia Sullivan, SELF, 22 Jan. 2025
Lymphatic massage was a must, especially in the beginning when my swelling was at its worst.
—Meirav Devash, Allure, 17 Jan. 2025
This can lead to transient swelling and minor asymmetries that can take 10-14 days to fully subside.
—Jackie Fields, People.com, 15 Jan. 2025
Five-year-old bucks and older exhibit even more body weight with heavy swelling of the neck, shoulders, and brisket.
—Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 19 Dec. 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 30 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
swelling
noun
swell·ing
ˈswel-iŋ- 
: an abnormal bodily protuberance or localized enlargement
an inflammatory swelling
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