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Definition of swelling

swelling

/ˈswɛl.ɪŋ/
swell · ing
Adverb:swellingly
•
Plural:swellings
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swelling Lexical Profile

swelling Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An abnormal enlargement of a part of the body, typically resulting from an accumulation of fluid, injury, or inflammation.

Example

"Applying an ice pack for twenty minutes helped reduce the swelling in her sprained ankle."

2

A gradual increase in size, volume, quantity, or emotional intensity; an outward curve or bulge.

Example

"The sudden swelling of the river after three days of heavy rain threatened the nearby farmland."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• adjective

1

Increasing in size, volume, or intensity; expanding or rising.

Example

"The orchestra reached a crescendo of swelling music that filled the entire concert hall."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for swelling
Antonyms
View all antonyms for swelling

• Rhymes for swelling

• Nearby Words

sweetvetch
swell
swellheaded
swelling
swellshark
swelter
sweltering

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Old English verb 'swellan' (to grow larger, expand, or puff up), combined with the suffix '-ing'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Swelling. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/swelling
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