noun
Uncommon
swelling
SWEHL-ihng
Swelling (noun) means an area of the body that has become puffy or enlarged, usually from injury or illness. Example: “Ice helps reduce swelling after a sprain.”
noun
1
An area of the body that has become puffy or enlarged, usually from injury or illness.
"Ice helps reduce swelling after a sprain."
"The swelling around his eye made it hard to see."
"A bee sting caused some painful swelling on the back of her hand."
How to use swelling
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA puffed-up, enlarged patch on the body, usually caused by injury, infection, or fluid buildup.
Common pairings
reduce swelling
swelling goes down
facial swelling
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Word forms
- Plural
- swellings
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Ice helps reduce _____ after a sprain.
Synonyms
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puffiness
bloating
distension
edema
bump
bulge
excrescence
aposteme
incrassation
intumescence
inturgescence
swollenness
Related words
Rhymes for swelling
telling
welling
selling
yelling
felling
spelling
dwelling
smelling
shelling
gruelling
modelling
expelling
See all rhymes for swelling →
Frequently asked questions
What does “swelling” mean?
The word “swelling” means an area of the body that has become puffy or enlarged, usually from injury or illness. In plain terms, a puffed-up, enlarged patch on the body, usually caused by injury, infection, or fluid buildup.
How do you pronounce “swelling”?
“Swelling” is pronounced SWEHL-ihng (/ˈswɛl.ɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “swelling” in a sentence?
Here is “swelling” used in a sentence: “Ice helps reduce swelling after a sprain.”
What is another word for “swelling”?
Words with a similar meaning to “swelling” include aposteme, incrassation, intumescence, inturgescence and swollenness.
What part of speech is “swelling”?
“Swelling” is a noun.
Is “swelling” a common word?
“Swelling” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between swelling and inflammation?
Swelling refers specifically to an area of the body that has become puffy or enlarged, usually from injury or illness. Inflammation is a broader biological response that often causes swelling alongside redness, heat, and pain, meaning swelling is typically one visible symptom of inflammation rather than the entire process.
When should swelling be treated with ice versus heat?
General first aid guidance often recommends ice soon after an injury to reduce swelling, since cold can limit fluid buildup in the affected area. This is general practical guidance rather than medical advice, and persistent or severe swelling should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
What is a common collocation with swelling?
Common collocations include reduce swelling, swelling in the ankle, and swelling and bruising, all reflecting its core sense of a puffy or enlarged area of the body.
