Swain — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈswān/

Meaning & Definition of Swain

Swain (noun)

  1. rustic, peasant; specifically, shepherd
  2. a male admirer or suitor

Swain (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a male romantic companion

    "a romanticized portrait of a bygone era of beauteous Southern belles and their gallant swains"

    similar: beau, boy, boyfriend, fellow, man, old man
    related: admirer, crush, steady, gallant, suitor, wooer, beloved, darling, dear, favorite, flame, honey, love, lover, significant other, soulmate, spark, sparker, squeeze (slang), sweet, sweetheart, sweetie, sweetie pie, valentine, fancy man, gigolo, date, escort, groom, husband, fiancé, intended

  2. a man who courts a woman usually with the goal of marrying her

    "Grandma claims that she had several swains pursuing her, but it was only Grandpa who won her heart"

    similar: gallant, suitor, wooer
    related: beau, boyfriend, fellow, man, old man, significant other, squeeze (slang), admirer, crush, steady, beloved, darling, dear, favorite, flame, honey, love, lover, spark, sweet, sweetheart, sweetie, sweetie pie, valentine, date, escort, fiancé, intended

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Swain

The most common words with a similar meaning to Swain:

beau, boy, boyfriend, fellow, man, old man, gallant, suitor, wooer

Related Words for Swain

admirer, crush, steady, beloved, darling, dear, favorite, flame, honey, love, lover, significant other, soulmate, spark, sparker, squeeze, sweet, sweetheart, sweetie, sweetie pie, valentine, fancy man, gigolo, date, escort, groom, husband, fiancé, intended

Word Forms of Swain

Derived words: swainish (adjective), swainishness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Swain

Middle English swein boy, servant, from Old Norse sveinn; akin to Old English swān swain, Latin suus one's own suicide

First known use: 14th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Swain

What does "Swain" mean?

"Swain" means rustic, peasant; specifically, shepherd. As a noun, it is defined as: rustic, peasant; specifically, shepherd. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Swain"?

Other words for "Swain" include beau, boy, boyfriend, fellow, man, old man, gallant and suitor. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Swain" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Swain"?

There are 38 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Swain". Common alternatives include beau, boy, boyfriend, fellow, man, old man, gallant, suitor and wooer.

How do you use "Swain" in a sentence?

Examples of "Swain" in a sentence: "a romanticized portrait of a bygone era of beauteous Southern belles and their gallant swains"; "Grandma claims that she had several swains pursuing her, but it was only Grandpa who won her heart".

Is "Swain" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Swain" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Swain"?

"Swain" is pronounced /ˈswān/.

What is the origin of the word "Swain"?

"Swain" comes from Middle English swein boy, servant, from Old Norse sveinn; akin to Old English swān swain, Latin suus one's own suicide. First known use: 14th century.

What is another word for "Swain" meaning "a male romantic companion"?

When "Swain" (noun) means a male romantic companion, synonyms include beau, boy, boyfriend, fellow, man and old man.