verb
swipe
swyp
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
Word Forms
swiped past tense, swipes plural, swipes singular
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Etymology
From an earlier form swip, related to Old English words meaning "to strike or lash" — the same root gives us sweep and swoop.