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
Heat increases blood flow and inflammation, which can worsen swelling and make bruising more likely after lip fillers.
—
Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 17 July 2025
President Donald Trump’s leg swelling has been attributed to a common vein condition, according to a note from the White House physician Capt. Sean Barbabella.
—Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 17 July 2025
Anyone who has ever gotten a sunburn is familiar with these reactions: inflammation caused by an influx of immune cells into the area, resulting in swelling and redness.
—Dan Samorodnitsky, Quanta Magazine, 14 July 2025
In serious cases, the virus can cause pneumonia and brain swelling, which can lead to lasting damage.
—Amber X. Chen, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for swelling
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Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 17 July 2025
President Donald Trump’s leg swelling has been attributed to a common vein condition, according to a note from the White House physician Capt. Sean Barbabella.
—Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 17 July 2025
Anyone who has ever gotten a sunburn is familiar with these reactions: inflammation caused by an influx of immune cells into the area, resulting in swelling and redness.
—Dan Samorodnitsky, Quanta Magazine, 14 July 2025
In serious cases, the virus can cause pneumonia and brain swelling, which can lead to lasting damage.
—Amber X. Chen, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for swelling
Cite this Entry
“Swelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swelling. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
swelling
noun
swell·ing
ˈswel-iŋ- 
: an abnormal bodily protuberance or localized enlargement
an inflammatory swelling
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