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
This swelling can contribute to feelings of numbness and tingling in your extremities and can also put pressure on nerves in your wrists, back, legs, thighs, and buttocks.
—
wendy Wisner, Parents, 3 July 2024
After roughly 48 to 72 hours, the pain will begin to subside, as will the swelling and redness.
—Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 2 July 2024
Blockage of lymphatic fluid can cause swelling and pain.
—Cory Smith, Outside Online, 26 June 2024
In May, Pearce announced that she had been diagnosed with a heart condition called pericarditis, a swelling and irritation of the pericardium, the thin, saclike tissue that surrounds the heart, according to the Mayo Clinic.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 25 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for swelling 
wendy Wisner, Parents, 3 July 2024
After roughly 48 to 72 hours, the pain will begin to subside, as will the swelling and redness.
—Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 2 July 2024
Blockage of lymphatic fluid can cause swelling and pain.
—Cory Smith, Outside Online, 26 June 2024
In May, Pearce announced that she had been diagnosed with a heart condition called pericarditis, a swelling and irritation of the pericardium, the thin, saclike tissue that surrounds the heart, according to the Mayo Clinic.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 25 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 15 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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