noun
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the act of expansion or inflation
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the state of being or becoming swollen
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a swollen or inflated part or area
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an abnormal enlargement of a bodily structure or part, esp as the result of injury
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of swelling
First recorded before 900; Middle English, Old English; swell + -ing 1
Vocabulary lists containing swelling
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Recent public appearances have also fueled renewed conversation around Trump’s health after visible bruising on his hands and swelling in his lower legs drew attention online and in political media coverage.
From Salon • May 25, 2026
Nvidia’s swelling cash flows had some investors anticipating an update on capital returns leading into its earnings report on Wednesday.
From MarketWatch • May 22, 2026
Measles can lead to complications including pneumonia, brain swelling and even death.
From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2026
Unlike gum disease, which commonly causes pain, swelling, or bleeding, infections at the root tip can exist silently while inflammation gradually spreads through the body.
From Science Daily • May 16, 2026
We stared as her flesh returned, swelling upon her bones and tightening her skin with muscles.
From "City of the Plague God" by Sarwat Chadda
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
