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.

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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

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Other Word Forms

• unswelling adjective

Etymology

Origin of swelling

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

Example Sentences

The swelling of the Treasury’s bank account as tax payments roll in is one reason the Fed has been running its monthly bond purchases at an elevated clip since late last year.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 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 has been watching this market grow for more than a year and has spoken to people who have had side effects such as dizziness, diarrhoea, rashes and leg swelling.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 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

I unbuckled her shoes, pulled off each one, and rubbed the swelling in both feet.

From "Gone Crazy in Alabama" by Rita Williams-Garcia

Related Words

• abscess
• blister
• bruise
• bump
• contusion
• inflammation
• injury
• nodule
• sore
• tumor
• welt