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 One of our editors, who recently had foot surgery, noted a significant decrease in pain and swelling after wearing the socks for 12 hours per day over three weeks. Nsisong Bassey, Verywell Health, 15 Mar. 2024 Bailey was still unable to make a fist Wednesday morning, according to Melvin, but the swelling and discoloration had subsided. Evan Webeck, The Mercury News, 14 Mar. 2024 In most cases, there is a painful swelling of the lymph node in the groin, armpit or neck areas. Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2024 While most people's symptoms improve, 1 in 5 unvaccinated children will be hospitalized, 1 out of every 1,000 will develop brain swelling that can lead to brain damage, and up to 3 of every 1,000 will die. David Higgins, CBS News, 1 Mar. 2024 Complications can include pneumonia, brain swelling and premature birth. Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 21 Feb. 2024 Generally speaking, warmth loosens up tight, stiff muscles, and cold can help cut down on swelling and inflammation. Ashley Abramson, SELF, 15 Feb. 2024 Stubborn weight gain in the legs may start for someone as a teenager or young adult, diet and exercise don’t help, and the weight can be accompanied by painful swelling and easy bruising, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Elizabeth Siegel, Allure, 8 Feb. 2024 The continuous pressure helps address joint swelling and shifts in lubricating joint fluid. Sarah Bradley, Verywell Health, 5 Feb. 2024

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.

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 28 Mar. 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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