# swelling

/ˈswɛɫɪŋ/ (US) · /swˈɛlɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/swelling
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. physical enlargement

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- He put some ice on his ankle to help reduce the swelling after he fell.
- 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. increase in size or volume

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

the process of something getting bigger or fuller.

For teachers: the act or state of increasing in size, volume, or intensity.

- The swelling of the river after the storm worried the local farmers.
- The swelling of national pride following the victory was evident in every public square across the capital.

### 3. growing or expanding

verb · CEFR B2

the action of becoming larger or more powerful.

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

- The crowd was swelling as more people arrived for the concert.
- With the ranks of the unemployed swelling to record numbers, the government faced intense pressure to reform the welfare system.

## Examples

- The swelling in my ankle went down after I used ice.
- The doctor examined the swelling on the patient's knee to determine if the joint was infected.
- While minor swelling is a common response to physical trauma, persistent inflammation in the extremities may indicate a more serious underlying circulatory issue that requires professional intervention.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.