English Reference
noun · verb

swelling

n. · v.
US /ˈswɛɫɪŋ/ UK /swˈɛlɪŋ/ swelling UK spelling swellings

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

    n.a place on your body that has become larger or rounder than usual, often because of a hit or an infection.

    n.an abnormal enlargement or protuberance on the body, typically caused by fluid retention or inflammation.

    Simple

    He put some ice on his ankle to help reduce the swelling after he fell.

    In context

    The doctor noted significant swelling around the joint, suggesting that the ligament might be torn rather than merely strained.

    Usage

    Often used with 'reduce' or 'go down' when the injury is healing.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Literary

    n.the process of something getting bigger or fuller.

    n.the act or state of increasing in size, volume, or intensity.

    Simple

    The swelling of the river after the storm worried the local farmers.

    In context

    The swelling of national pride following the victory was evident in every public square across the capital.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.the action of becoming larger or more powerful.

    v.the present participle of 'swell', describing the ongoing process of expansion or increasing in number.

    Simple

    The crowd was swelling as more people arrived for the concert.

    In context

    With the ranks of the unemployed swelling to record numbers, the government faced intense pressure to reform the welfare system.

The operation came as community organizing against ICE was swelling in the region in response to the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated