swelling

noun

swell·​ing ˈswe-liŋ 

1

: something that is swollen

specifically : an abnormal bodily protuberance or localized enlargement

2

: the condition of being swollen

Synonyms

• bump
• knot
• lump
• node
• nodule

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

Symptoms include itchy ears, leading to scratching; pain when their heads or ears are touched; ear discharge; swelling and rednesss; and unpleasant smell coming from their ears. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2024

Bruising and swelling typically go down after five to seven days, and that was definitely true for me. —Sarah Kinonen, Allure, 25 Nov. 2024

March 20, 2022 Donovan says Ball will stop attempting to run at full-speed for 10 days in an attempt to reduce knee swelling. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 9 Nov. 2024

Some people may develop bleeding, vomiting, difficulty breathing, facial swelling and pain in the back, chest or stomach. —Sara Moniuszko, CBS News, 29 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

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- 

: an abnormal bodily protuberance or localized enlargement

an inflammatory swelling