swift
swihft
Swift (adj) means moving or happening very quickly. Example: “We were grateful for the swift response of the ambulance crew.”
adj
1
Moving or happening very quickly.
"We were grateful for the swift response of the ambulance crew."
"The police made a swift arrest after the robbery."
"She gave a swift reply before he'd even finished the question."
noun
1
A small, fast-flying bird that looks similar to a swallow.
"A swift darted past the church tower at dusk."
"Every summer, swifts return to nest under the old roof tiles."
"Swifts spend almost their entire lives in the air, even sleeping on the wing."
How to use swift
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFast — whether describing an action, a decision, or the bird named for its rapid flight.
Easily confused with
swiftlet
Common pairings
swift action
swift response
swift justice
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Word forms
- Plural
- swifts
- Comparative
- swifter, more swift
- Superlative
- swiftest, most swift
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
We were grateful for the _____ response of the ambulance crew.
Etymology
From Old English swift, "quick" — related to swivel, both tracing back to a root meaning "to twist or wind."
Related words
Rhymes for swift
See all rhymes for swift →Frequently asked questions
What does “swift” mean?
The word “swift” means moving or happening very quickly. In plain terms, fast — whether describing an action, a decision, or the bird named for its rapid flight.
How do you pronounce “swift”?
“Swift” is pronounced swihft (/swɪft/ in IPA).
How do you use “swift” in a sentence?
Here is “swift” used in a sentence: “The police made a swift arrest after the robbery.”
What part of speech is “swift”?
Depending on how it is used, “swift” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “swift” come from?
The word “swift” comes from Old English. From Old English swift, "quick" — related to swivel, both tracing back to a root meaning "to twist or wind.".
Is “swift” a common word?
“Swift” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “swift” have?
“Swift” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: moving or happening very quickly.
What is the difference between "swift" and "fast"?
Both describe quick movement, but "swift" is more formal and often stresses smoothness or grace as well as speed, as in "a swift reply." "Fast" is the everyday, neutral term for high speed. "Swift" also frequently describes actions and responses, not just physical velocity.
What is the difference between "swift" and "quick"?
"Swift" emphasises rapid movement or a short time from start to finish and carries a slightly literary tone. "Quick" is more casual and often stresses promptness or brief duration. You might make "swift progress" in formal writing but have "a quick chat" in conversation.
Is a swift the same as a swallow?
No. A swift is a small, fast-flying bird that looks similar to a swallow, but the two belong to different bird families. Swifts have longer, more scythe-shaped wings and spend far more of their lives in the air.
What nouns commonly follow "swift"?
"Swift" often pairs with words for actions and responses, such as "swift action," "a swift response," "swift justice," and "a swift decision." These collocations stress that something happens with little delay.
