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swing
1[swing]
verb (used with object)
to cause to move to and fro, sway, or oscillate, as something suspended from above.
to swing one's arms in walking.
to cause to move in alternate directions or in either direction around a fixed point, on an axis, or on a line of support, as a door on hinges.
to move (the hand or something held) with an oscillating or rotary movement.
to swing one's fists; to swing a club around one's head.
Aeronautics., to pull or turn (a propeller) by hand, especially in order to start the engine.
to turn in a new direction in a curve, as if around a central point.
to swing the car into the driveway.
to suspend so as to hang freely, as a hammock or a door.
Informal., to influence or win over; manage or arrange as desired.
to swing votes; to swing a business deal.
to direct, change, or shift (one's interest, opinion, support, etc.).
to turn (a ship or aircraft) to various headings in order to check compass deviation.
verb (used without object)
to move or sway to and fro, as a pendulum or other suspended object.
to move to and fro in a swing, as for recreation.
to move in alternate directions or in either direction around a point, an axis, or a line of support, as a gate on its hinges.
to move in a curve, as around a corner or central point.
The highway swings to the east.
to move with a free, swaying motion, as soldiers on the march.
to be suspended so as to hang freely, as a bell or hammock.
to move by grasping a support with the hands and drawing up the arms or using the momentum of the swaying body.
a monkey swinging through trees.
to change or shift one's attention, interest, opinion, condition, etc..
He swung from mere indifference to outright scorn.
to hit at someone or something, with the hand or something grasped in the hand.
The batter swung and struck out.
Slang.
to be characterized by a modern, lively atmosphere.
Las Vegas swings all year.
to be stylish, trendy, hip, etc., especially in pursuing enjoyment.
to engage uninhibitedly in sexual activity.
(of married couples) to exchange partners for sexual activity.
Informal., to suffer death by hanging.
He'll swing for the crime.
noun
the act, manner, or progression of swinging; movement in alternate directions or in a particular direction.
the amount or extent of such movement.
to correct the swing of a pendulum.
a curving movement or course.
a moving of the body with a free, swaying motion, as in walking.
a blow or stroke with the hand or an object grasped in the hands.
His swing drove the ball over the fence.
a change or shift in attitude, opinion, behavior, etc.
a steady, marked rhythm or movement, as of verse or music.
a regular upward or downward movement in the price of a commodity or of a security, or in any business activity.
Informal.
a work period coming between the regular day and night shifts.
a change by a group of workers from working one shift to working another.
freedom of action.
to have free swing in carrying out a project.
active operation; progression.
to get into the swing of things.
something that is swung or that swings.
a seat suspended from above by means of a loop of rope or between ropes or rods, on which one may sit and swing to and fro for recreation.
the maximum diameter of the work machinable in a certain lathe or other machine tool.
adjective
of or relating to a swing.
capable of determining the outcome, as of an election; deciding, as in
designed or constructed to permit swinging or hanging.
acting to relieve other workers when needed, as at night.
swing
2[swing]
noun
Also called Big Band music,. Also called swing music. a style of jazz, popular especially in the 1930s and often arranged for a large dance band, marked by a smoother beat and more flowing phrasing than Dixieland and having less complex harmonies and rhythms than modern jazz.
the rhythmic element that excites dancers and listeners to move in time to jazz music.
adjective
of, relating to, or characteristic of swing.
a swing record.
verb (used with object)
to play (music) in the style of swing.
swing
/ swɪŋ /
verb
to move or cause to move rhythmically to and fro, as a free-hanging object; sway
(intr) to move, walk, etc, with a relaxed and swaying motion
to pivot or cause to pivot, as on a hinge
to move or cause to move in a curve
the car swung around the bend
to move or cause to move by suspending or being suspended
to hang or be hung so as to be able to turn freely
slang, (intr) to be hanged
he'll swing for it
to alter or cause to alter habits, a course, etc
informal, (tr) to influence or manipulate successfully
I hope he can swing the deal
to raise or hoist, esp in a sweeping motion
to hit out or strike (at), esp with a sweeping motion
(tr) to wave (a weapon, etc) in a sweeping motion; flourish
to arrange or play (music) with the rhythmically flexible and compulsive quality associated with jazz
(intr) (of popular music, esp jazz, or of the musicians who play it) to have this quality
slang, to be lively and modern
slang, (intr) to swap sexual partners in a group, esp habitually
(intr) cricket to bowl (a ball) with swing or (of a ball) to move with a swing
to turn (a ship or aircraft) in order to test compass error
slang, to enjoy sexual partners of both sexes
informal, to malinger or make up excuses
noun
the act or manner of swinging or the distance covered while swinging
a wide swing
a sweeping stroke or blow
boxing a wide punch from the side similar to but longer than a hook
cricket the lateral movement of a bowled ball through the air
any free-swaying motion
any curving movement; sweep
something that swings or is swung, esp a suspended seat on which a person may sit and swing back and forth
a kind of popular dance music influenced by jazz, usually played by big bands and originating in the 1930s
( as modifier )
swing music
See swingbeat
prosody a steady distinct rhythm or cadence in prose or verse
informal, the normal round or pace
get into the swing of things
a fluctuation, as in some business activity, voting pattern etc
(as modifier) able to bring about a swing in a voting pattern
swing party
(as modifier) having a mixed voting history, and thus becoming a target for political election campaigners
a swing state
informal, free scope; freedom of activity
a circular tour
a tour of a particular area or region
(in the North) a train of freight sleighs or canoes
to go well; be successful
at the height of activity
equal advantages and disadvantages
Other Word Forms
- swingable adjective
Word History and Origins
Origin of swing1
Word History and Origins
Origin of swing1
Idioms and Phrases
swing round the circle, to tour an area on a political campaign.
take a swing at, to strike or attempt to strike with the fist.
to take a swing at a rude waiter.
in full swing, operating at the highest speed or level of activity; in full operation.
Automobile production is in full swing.
More idioms and phrases containing swing
- get into the swing of things
- in full swing
- not enough room to swing a car
Synonym Study
Example Sentences
However, Pages swung at what would have been ball four on four more occasions in that battle, before ultimately striking out again.
For a nostalgic adult beverage, try the “Secret” cocktail with a Fruity Pebble rim, or the strawberry swing if mocktails are more your speed.
Between injuries, slumps, defensive miscues and mechanical swing flaws, Hernández has endured one of his worst career seasons.
He told jurors that the receptionist and doctor did not see the 40 to 50 seconds where Cardi B labeled his client fat, spat on her and took a swing at her.
Ms Malcolm testified that Ms Ellis was the aggressor and that the security guard was swinging her arms in an apparent attempt to hit Cardi B, which resulted in a cut on Ms Malcolm's head.
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Related Words
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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