noun
bloating
BLOH-ting
Bloating (noun) means an uncomfortable feeling of fullness and swelling in the abdomen, usually caused by trapped gas or fluid. Example: “She gets bloating after eating bread.”
noun
1
An uncomfortable feeling of fullness and swelling in the abdomen, usually caused by trapped gas or fluid.
"She gets bloating after eating bread."
"Persistent bloating that does not settle is worth discussing with a doctor."
2
Swelling of any part of the body or of an object, caused by gas or liquid building up inside it.
"Bloating of the packaging is a sign the food has spoiled."
verb
1
The present participle of bloat: swelling or causing to swell.
"Salty food is bloating him more than he realises."
How to use bloating
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWhen your tummy feels swollen, tight and full of gas.
When to use it
Everyday word, also used in clinical writing.
Memory tip
Bloating describes the feeling and the visible swelling; bloated is the adjective for how you feel.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
abdominal bloating
bloating and gas
relieve bloating
cause bloating
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She gets _____ after eating bread.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for bloating
See all rhymes for bloating →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between bloating and weight gain?
Bloating is short-lived swelling from gas or fluid, so the abdomen feels tight and looks larger but the change comes and goes within hours or days. Weight gain is a lasting increase in body mass from fat, muscle or fluid, and does not deflate overnight. If a swollen abdomen does not settle, it is worth getting medical advice.
What commonly causes bloating?
Common causes include swallowing air while eating quickly, fizzy drinks, high-fibre or fermentable foods such as beans and onions, constipation, food intolerances such as lactose intolerance, and hormonal changes around menstruation. Ongoing or severe bloating should be assessed by a health professional rather than self-diagnosed.
What is the meaning of bloating?
"bloating" (noun) means an uncomfortable feeling of fullness and swelling in the abdomen, usually caused by trapped gas or fluid.
What is another word for bloating?
Other words for "bloating" include swelling, distension, puffiness, wind.
