swing
Swing (verb) means to move back and forth or in a circular path while hanging from a fixed point. Example: “The children swung on the rope tied to the old oak tree.”
How to use swing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo move back and forth (or a seat that does this), or a shift/change in something like an opinion or a score.
Word forms
swung past tense, swang past tense, swungen past tense, swings plural, Swings plural, swings singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The kids raced to the playground _____.
Etymology
From Old English swingan, meaning "to strike, whip, or fling about" — related to the now-rare word swink, "to labor."
Related words
Rhymes for swing
See all rhymes for swing →Frequently asked questions
What does “swing” mean?
The word “swing” means to move back and forth or in a circular path while hanging from a fixed point. In plain terms, to move back and forth (or a seat that does this), or a shift/change in something like an opinion or a score.
How do you pronounce “swing”?
“Swing” is pronounced SWIHNG (/ˈswɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “swing” in a sentence?
Here is “swing” used in a sentence: “The kids raced to the playground swing.”
What part of speech is “swing”?
Depending on how it is used, “swing” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “swing” come from?
The word “swing” comes from Old English. From Old English swingan, meaning "to strike, whip, or fling about" — related to the now-rare word swink, "to labor.".
Is “swing” a common word?
“Swing” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “swing” have?
“Swing” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to move back and forth or in a circular path while hanging from a fixed point.
What is the difference between swing and sway?
To swing is to move back and forth or in an arc from a fixed point, often with a clear, regular motion. To sway is to move more gently and unsteadily from side to side, as a tree might in the wind.
Is swing a regular or irregular verb?
Swing is irregular. Its past tense and past participle are both "swung," not "swinged," as in "the gate swung open."
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