verb
Uncommon
swipe
swyp
Swipe (verb) means to steal something, often quickly and casually. Example: “Someone swiped his wallet on the crowded train.”
verb
1
To steal something, often quickly and casually.
"Someone swiped his wallet on the crowded train."
2
To slide a finger or card across a surface or reader.
"She swiped her badge to unlock the office door."
"He swiped left on every profile he didn't like."
noun
1
A quick, sweeping strike or motion with the hand.
"The cat took a swipe at the dangling string."
How to use swipe
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo grab or steal something quickly, or to slide your finger/a card across something (like a phone screen or card reader).
Common pairings
swipe right
swipe a card
take a swipe at
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Word forms
- Plural
- swipes
- Third person singular
- swipes
- Past tense
- swiped
Fill the gap
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Someone _____ his wallet on the crowded train.
Etymology
From an earlier form swip, related to Old English words meaning "to strike or lash" — the same root gives us sweep and swoop.
Related words
Rhymes for swipe
See all rhymes for swipe →Frequently asked questions
What does “swipe” mean?
The word “swipe” means to steal something, often quickly and casually. In plain terms, to grab or steal something quickly, or to slide your finger/a card across something (like a phone screen or card reader).
How do you pronounce “swipe”?
“Swipe” is pronounced swyp (/swaɪp/ in IPA).
How do you use “swipe” in a sentence?
Here is “swipe” used in a sentence: “Someone swiped his wallet on the crowded train.”
What part of speech is “swipe”?
Depending on how it is used, “swipe” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “swipe” come from?
The word “swipe” comes from Old English. From an earlier form swip, related to Old English words meaning "to strike or lash" — the same root gives us sweep and swoop.
Is “swipe” a common word?
“Swipe” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “swipe” have?
“Swipe” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to steal something, often quickly and casually.
What is the difference between swipe and steal?
Swipe as a verb meaning to take something is generally more casual and often implies a quick, opportunistic, and relatively minor theft, such as swiping a cookie from the kitchen. Steal is broader and neutral in tone, covering theft of any scale or seriousness. Swipe suggests informality and low stakes, while steal can describe serious crimes.
What does swipe mean when talking about phones or cards?
In this sense, swipe means to slide a finger across a touchscreen or slide a card through a reader, such as swiping right on an app or swiping a credit card to pay. This usage is common in technology and everyday transactions and describes a physical sliding motion rather than theft.
Is swipe formal or informal when it means to steal?
Swipe meaning to steal is informal and conversational, not used in formal or legal writing. Formal contexts would use steal, pilfer, or take without permission instead.
