noun
Uncommon
swag
SWAG
Swag (noun) means Free promotional items or merchandise handed out at events, or casually, any collection of nice possessions. Example: “Everyone who attended the conference got a bag of swag with a t-shirt and stickers.”
noun
1
Free promotional items or merchandise handed out at events, or casually, any collection of nice possessions.
"Everyone who attended the conference got a bag of swag with a t-shirt and stickers."
2
Confident style or flair.
"He walked into the interview with real swag."
3
A draped loop of fabric used as decoration, or a low, sagging point in land.
"Heavy velvet swags hung above the windows."
verb
1
To sag or droop.
"The old washing line swagged under the weight of wet clothes."
How to use swag
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMost often used today for free branded giveaways, or for a person's confident style — older senses cover draped fabric and sagging.
When to use it
The "confidence/style" and "free merchandise" senses are informal, modern usage.
Common pairings
conference swag
has swag
free swag
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Word forms
- Plural
- swags
- Third person singular
- swags
- Past tense
- swagged
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Everyone who attended the conference got a bag of _____ with a t-shirt and stickers.
Etymology
Probably from Old Norse sveggja, "to swing or sway."
Related words
Rhymes for swag
See all rhymes for swag →Frequently asked questions
What does “swag” mean?
The word “swag” means free promotional items or merchandise handed out at events, or casually, any collection of nice possessions. In plain terms, most often used today for free branded giveaways, or for a person's confident style — older senses cover draped fabric and sagging.
How do you pronounce “swag”?
“Swag” is pronounced SWAG (/ˈswæɡ/ in IPA).
How do you use “swag” in a sentence?
Here is “swag” used in a sentence: “Everyone who attended the conference got a bag of swag with a t-shirt and stickers.”
What part of speech is “swag”?
Depending on how it is used, “swag” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “swag” come from?
The word “swag” comes from Old Norse. Probably from Old Norse sveggja, "to swing or sway.".
Is “swag” a common word?
“Swag” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “swag” have?
“Swag” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: free promotional items or merchandise handed out at events, or casually, any collection of nice possessions.
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