Swing — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun adjective /ˈswiŋ/

Meaning & Definition of Swing

Swing (verb)

  1. to cause to move vigorously through a wide arc or circle
  2. to cause to sway to and fro
  3. to cause to turn on an axis

Swing (noun)

  1. an act or instance of swinging, swinging movement
  2. a stroke or blow delivered with a sweeping arm movement
  3. a sweeping or rhythmic movement of the body or a bodily part

Swing (adjective)

  1. of or relating to musical swing
  2. that may swing often decisively either way on an issue or in an election

Swing (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in license, rein

  2. as in movement, sway

  3. as in turn, shift

Swing (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to change one's course or direction

    "thinking that we were being followed, we abruptly swung to the left at the next intersection"

    "swing right at James St."

  2. to change the course or direction of (something)

    "at the sound of gunfire, the cavalry officer swung his horse around and galloped rapidly back to the fort"

  3. to deal with (something) usually skillfully or efficiently

    "a man who's able to swing two full-time jobs"

  4. to move (something) in a curved or circular path on or as if on an axis

    "he swung the bat as hard as he could but he missed the ball"

    "don't let the wind swing that gate shut"

  5. to place on an elevated point without support from below

    "beach towels swung up to dry on the lifeguard's high chair"

    similar: dangle, hang, sling, suspend
  6. to have enough money for

    "I don't think that we can swing that hefty a mortgage"

    similar: afford, go

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Swing

The most common words with a similar meaning to Swing:

Near Antonyms of Swing

Word Forms of Swing

Inflections: swung, swinging

Origin & Etymology of Swing

Middle English, to beat, fling, hurl, rush, from Old English swingan to beat, fling oneself, rush; akin to Old High German swingan to fling, rush

First known use: 13th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Swing

Words & Phrases Containing Swing

Frequently Asked Questions about Swing

What does "Swing" mean?

"Swing" means to cause to move vigorously through a wide arc or circle. As an a verb, a noun and an adjective, it is defined as: to cause to move vigorously through a wide arc or circle. It has 9 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Swing"?

Other words for "Swing" include license, rein, latitude, leeway, slack, space, wiggle room and lilt. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Swing" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Swing"?

There are 171 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Swing". Common alternatives include license, rein, latitude, leeway, slack, space, wiggle room, lilt, movement and sway.

How do you use "Swing" in a sentence?

Examples of "Swing" in a sentence: "thinking that we were being followed, we abruptly swung to the left at the next intersection"; "swing right at James St."; "at the sound of gunfire, the cavalry officer swung his horse around and galloped rapidly back to the fort".

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

"Swing" can be used as a verb, a noun and an adjective, depending on the context.

Is "Swing" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Swing" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Swing"?

"Swing" is pronounced /ˈswiŋ/.

What is the origin of the word "Swing"?

"Swing" comes from Middle English, to beat, fling, hurl, rush, from Old English swingan to beat, fling oneself, rush; akin to Old High German swingan to fling, rush. First known use: 13th centuryt.