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
Salicylic acid: This type of acid helps reduce swelling and redness related to acne.
—
Laura Schober, Health, 2 June 2025
Post-vasectomy complications are rare but possible and include minor bruising, swelling and temporary discomfort around the area where the procedure was done.
—Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 1 June 2025
Their bites attack the nervous system, possibly leading to seizures, the inability to walk or the inability to breathe due to respiratory paralysis or extreme swelling in the throat, Willey warned.
—Caleb Lunetta, Mercury News, 27 May 2025
Your dog probably rubs it because the mere swelling is a bit uncomfortable.
—Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for swelling
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Laura Schober, Health, 2 June 2025
Post-vasectomy complications are rare but possible and include minor bruising, swelling and temporary discomfort around the area where the procedure was done.
—Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 1 June 2025
Their bites attack the nervous system, possibly leading to seizures, the inability to walk or the inability to breathe due to respiratory paralysis or extreme swelling in the throat, Willey warned.
—Caleb Lunetta, Mercury News, 27 May 2025
Your dog probably rubs it because the mere swelling is a bit uncomfortable.
—Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 25 May 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 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
swelling
noun
swell·ing
ˈswel-iŋ- 
: an abnormal bodily protuberance or localized enlargement
an inflammatory swelling
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