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Synonyms

swelling

American  
[swel-ing] / ˈswɛl ɪŋ /

noun

  1. the act of a person or thing that swells.

  2. the condition of being or becoming swollen. swollen.

  3. a swollen swollen part; a protuberance or prominence.

  4. Pathology. an abnormal enlargement or protuberance, as that resulting from edema.

swelling British  
/ ˈswɛlɪŋ /

noun

  1. the act of expansion or inflation

  2. the state of being or becoming swollen

  3. a swollen or inflated part or area

  4. an abnormal enlargement of a bodily structure or part, esp as the result of injury

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • unswelling adjective

Etymology

Origin of swelling

First recorded before 900; Middle English, Old English; swell + -ing 1

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.

The company has raised nearly $1.4 billion since 2000, among the largest sum of any fusion venture, but its capital needs were swelling.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

In detention, Flores said, she began to suffer a painful swelling, which she believed could have been mastitis brought on by her inability to nurse her baby.

From Salon • Mar. 24, 2026

He then missed the second Test with swelling in the knee and was subsequently ruled out of the tour.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

“That’s why I recommend breathable fabrics, compression socks if you’re prone to swelling, and always layers,” he said.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 26, 2026

Moss shouted, the beginning of a panic attack swelling in his throat.

From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro

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.