Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 Heartswelling /(härt"swĕl`ĭng)/ · Heart·swell·ing · IPA /ˈhɑː(ɹ)tˌswɛlɪŋ/ 01 a. Rankling in, or swelling, the heart. 1. Rankling in, or swelling, the heart.