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

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."

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

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 notes

In 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

water retention weight gain indigestion →

Common pairings

abdominal bloating bloating and gas relieve bloating cause bloating

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

She gets _____ after eating bread.

Synonyms

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swelling distension puffiness wind

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Rhymes for bloating

mating rating eating dating hating heating grating stating beating coating skating seating

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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.

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