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
Soreness and swelling may last for a few weeks after surgery, according to Mayo Clinic.
—
Alyssa Goldberg, USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2025
Both measles pneumonia and brain swelling can be fatal.
—Daniel Pastula, The Conversation, 28 Feb. 2025
Toning down one’s facial swelling is something many search far and wide for, as puffiness is a common occurrence that many different things can trigger.
—Audrey Noble, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2025
The condition typically affects the legs, and can cause swelling and pain.
—Paulina Dedaj, Fox News, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for swelling
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Alyssa Goldberg, USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2025
Both measles pneumonia and brain swelling can be fatal.
—Daniel Pastula, The Conversation, 28 Feb. 2025
Toning down one’s facial swelling is something many search far and wide for, as puffiness is a common occurrence that many different things can trigger.
—Audrey Noble, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2025
The condition typically affects the legs, and can cause swelling and pain.
—Paulina Dedaj, Fox News, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for swelling
Articles Related to swelling
Cite this Entry
“Swelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swelling. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
swelling
noun
swell·ing
ˈswel-iŋ- 
: an abnormal bodily protuberance or localized enlargement
an inflammatory swelling
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