swing
swing — verb
1. to move through the air in a smooth curve while fixed at the top, and when you m
to move through the air in a smooth curve while fixed at the top, and when you make something move this way
The old wooden gate swung open in the wind.
intransitive: swing + adjective (open/shut)
Lauren swung her backpack onto her shoulder before leaving the classroom.
transitive: swing + object + prepositional phrase
Yael sat on the playground swing and pumped her legs to go higher.
A large chandelier swung gently above the dinner table.
Obi swung the car into the parking lot just as the rain started.
swing + object into/around (vehicle)
- swing open/shut
- swing back and forth
- swing from side to side
- stay still
not moving at all
- fix
to secure something so it cannot move
Grammar Patterns
swing + adverb/preposition (intransitive)
swing + object + adverb/preposition (transitive)
Usage Note
Common with adverbs of direction such as open, shut, back, forth, around; often describes hanging objects or movable parts.
Common Mistakes
2. to move your arm or a held object in a wide arc with the aim of striking someone
to move your arm or a held object in a wide arc with the aim of striking someone or something
Emre swung at the ball but missed it completely.
swing at + object
The batter swung hard and hit the baseball over the fence.
Kabir lost his temper and swung wildly at the other man.
swing at + person; adverb wildly
Beatrix took a deep breath and swung the hammer at the nail.
A child swung a plastic sword at his friend during the game.
- swing at
- swing wildly
- swing a fist
- hold back
to stop yourself from hitting
Grammar Patterns
swing at + object (person/thing)
swing for + object
Usage Note
Often used with at to indicate the target. The noun form swing (have a swing, take a swing at) is also common.
Common Mistakes
3. to shift between different states, opinions, or moods, especially in a noticeabl
to shift between different states, opinions, or moods, especially in a noticeable or sudden way
Public opinion swung sharply after the new evidence was released.
swing (of opinion/mood) without direct object
The election result could swing either way depending on voter turnout.
swing either way / swing both ways
Her mood swung from excitement to disappointment within minutes.
swing from X to Y
Caio's vote swung the committee's decision in favour of the new policy.
transitive: swing + direct object (a decision/result)
The wind swung around to the north, bringing colder weather.
- opinion swings
- mood swings
- swing from...to
- swing either way
- hold steady
remain unchanged in opinion or direction
- stick to
to not change one's position
Grammar Patterns
swing from + noun + to + noun
swing between + noun + and + noun
Usage Note
Commonly used with from...to to show contrasting extremes, and with either way or both ways to express uncertainty about the outcome.
Common Mistakes
4. if a social event or place is swinging, it is full of energy and people having f
if a social event or place is swinging, it is full of energy and people having fun
The party was really swinging by the time Yumi arrived with the music.
swinging (of a party/event) — informal
The night market swings every weekend with live bands and food stalls.
Wei's birthday celebration swung late into the night.
swing (verb) describing duration of fun
The café on Main Street never swings on weekday afternoons.
New Year's Eve in the town square swung until dawn.
- party swings
- place swings
- swing late into the night
- come alive
describes a place becoming active and exciting
- rock
even more informal; 'the party rocked' means it was great
- die down
to become less lively and quiet
Grammar Patterns
swing (party/event)
Usage Note
Nearly always used in informal contexts to describe social events. Not used with a direct object.
5. to perform music with a strong, lively beat of the kind used in jazz, or for mus
to perform music with a strong, lively beat of the kind used in jazz, or for music to have that driving rhythm
The jazz band really swung during the second set.
intransitive: music/band swings
Noa played the piano and swung every tune the audience requested.
transitive: swing + object (a tune/song)
Even the slow ballads swung when the drummer picked up the tempo.
Tunde taught his students how to make the music swing by shifting the beat.
make + object + swing (causative structure)
Without the bass player the song just did not swing the way it should.
- the band swings
- music swings
- swing a tune
- swing rhythm
Grammar Patterns
swing (intransitive - music)
swing + object (transitive - play music with swing)
Usage Note
Associated with jazz and big-band music from the 1930s–40s. Can be used figuratively about any music with a strong, compelling rhythm.
6. to succeed in arranging or obtaining something, often by using persuasion or sli
to succeed in arranging or obtaining something, often by using persuasion or slightly unfair methods
Dewi managed to swing a last-minute deal with the supplier.
swing + a deal/agreement
Christopher swung an invitation to the exclusive event through his contacts.
The lobbyists swung the vote by offering favours to key politicians.
swing + a vote/decision through influence
My uncle swung us a discount on the hotel rooms for the whole week.
swing + indirect object + direct object
Isabela wondered how her colleague had swung such a generous promotion package.
- swing a deal
- swing an agreement
- swing votes
- swing it
- fail to get
not succeeding in arranging something
Grammar Patterns
swing + noun phrase (deal/agreement/visit)
swing + it + that-clause
Usage Note
Often implies that the achievement required effort, personal connections, or bending the rules. Cannot be used for routine or straightforward achievements.
Common Mistakes
7. a practice in which couples who are in a relationship together each have sex wit
a practice in which couples who are in a relationship together each have sex with someone from another couple, typically by mutual agreement at a party or social gathering.
Mert and Adina met a couple who wanted to swing with them at a party.
swing with [someone] — partner-swapping sense
Beatriz told friends that she and Faisal wanted to try swinging with another couple.
Lotte asked whether the other couple would want to swing with them that evening.
intransitive verb pattern
There are clubs where couples go to swing with people who share the same interests.
The group of six adults all agreed to swing together after discussing it openly.
- swing with
- swing together
- swinging couple
- swinging club
- swinging lifestyle
- swap partners
more transparent in meaning, used as a verb phrase rather than a single verb
- partner exchange
more formal and clinical, often used in sociological or descriptive contexts
Grammar Patterns
swing with someone
swing together
swing as a couple
Usage Note
Frequently found in discussions of alternative lifestyles or relationship arrangements. The subject is typically a couple or group, and the verb is always intransitive, usually followed by 'with'.
Common Mistakes
swing by
phrasal verbto visit a person or place for a short time, especially while on the way to somewhere else
Owen said he would swing by the office after lunch to pick up the documents.
Can you swing by the bakery and buy a loaf of bread on your way home?
swing around
phrasal verbto turn quickly so that you face the opposite direction, or to make something do this
Élise swung around when she heard someone call her name from behind.
The driver swung the truck around to avoid the fallen tree.
swing at
phrasal verbto try to hit someone or something with a swinging movement of the arm or an object
He swung at the wasp with a rolled-up newspaper but missed.
The player swung at the ball three times and struck out.
to become familiar with a new activity, job, or situation and start doing it confidently and comfortably
It took Camille a few weeks to get into the swing of things at her new job.
Once the students get into the swing of online classes, they work much faster.
swing into action
idiomto quickly start doing something with a lot of energy and determination
When the fire alarm went off, the staff swung into action immediately.
The rescue team swung into action as soon as they reached the village.
go with a swing
idiomif a party or event goes with a swing, it is lively, successful, and enjoyable
The school fair went with a swing thanks to the music and games.
Used to describe a space that is extremely small and cramped.
My new apartment is tiny; there's no room to swing a cat.
In that cramped office, there was no room to swing a cat.
swing the balance
idiomTo cause a decision or result to go in a particular direction.
Her passionate speech swung the balance in favor of the proposal.
The last vote swung the balance and decided the election.
swing both ways
idiomTo be sexually attracted to both men and women.
Maya told us she swings both ways and dates both men and women.
He doesn't label himself; he just says he swings both ways.
swing for the fences
idiomTo try very hard to achieve something great, even if it seems unlikely.
The startup decided to swing for the fences with a risky new product.
In the final round, the contestant swung for the fences and won big.
swing the lead
idiomTo pretend to be sick or unable to work in order to avoid duties.
Brian is swinging the lead again; he just doesn't want to do the task.
The manager caught him swinging the lead and gave him a warning.
swing — noun
1. the smooth back-and-forth or side-to-side motion of an object that hangs from or
the smooth back-and-forth or side-to-side motion of an object that hangs from or is fixed at one point, like a pendulum, door, or gate.
The slow swing of the church bell marked the start of the evening service.
the swing of [something] — back-and-forth motion of a hanging object
Putri measured the swing of the door so it would not hit the wall.
With a gentle swing, the child pushed the heavy gate shut behind her.
Ziad watched the swing of the boat as waves pushed it from side to side.
The swing of the tree branch in the wind made a soft creaking sound.
- the swing of the pendulum
- the swing of the door
- the swing of the arm
- sweep
often describes a wider, more continuous arc, such as a searchlight or a scythe
- motion
more general term for any movement, not specifically back-and-forth
- oscillation
more technical or scientific, used for regular back-and-forth movement like a pendulum
Grammar Patterns
the swing of [something]
Usage Note
Often used with 'the' and 'of' to describe the motion of a specific object: 'the swing of the pendulum', 'the swing of the door', 'the swing of the rope'.
Common Mistakes
2. the particular arc and body motion a person uses to strike a ball with a bat, cl
the particular arc and body motion a person uses to strike a ball with a bat, club, or racket, especially in golf or baseball.
Christopher adjusted his swing before taking another shot at the golf ball.
golf swing — the way a golfer moves the club to hit the ball
The coach studied each player's swing to find small mistakes in their form.
Élise's swing improved dramatically after she changed the way she held the bat.
A smooth swing is more important than hitting the ball with all your strength.
Kevin watched videos of professional golfers to perfect his own swing.
- golf swing
- baseball swing
- smooth swing
- practice your swing
- perfect your swing
Grammar Patterns
[possessive] swing
Common Mistakes
3. a sweeping punch or blow delivered by moving the arm in a wide arc toward someon
a sweeping punch or blow delivered by moving the arm in a wide arc toward someone, especially one that misses or is avoided.
The man took a wild swing at Theo, but Theo stepped back just in time.
take a swing at [someone] — try to hit someone with a punch
Lucía's first swing missed completely, and she nearly lost her balance.
Witnesses said the driver took a swing at the cyclist during the argument.
A single swing from the taller fighter sent his opponent to the floor.
Sana ducked under his swing and pushed him away from her.
- take a swing at
- wild swing
- a swing at someone
Grammar Patterns
take a swing at [someone]
Usage Note
Commonly appears in the phrase 'take a swing at someone'. The focus is often on the action itself rather than whether it lands successfully.
Common Mistakes
4. a noticeable and often rapid move from one state, opinion, or feeling to a very
a noticeable and often rapid move from one state, opinion, or feeling to a very different one, especially in politics, finance, or emotions.
There was a sudden swing in public opinion after the new policy was announced.
swing in public opinion — sudden change in what people think
The stock market experienced a dramatic swing from gains to losses in one day.
Tariro noticed a swing in her mother's mood after the phone call ended.
Polls showed a six-point swing toward the challenger in the final week.
A sharp swing in temperature caught everyone by surprise that spring morning.
- swing in opinion
- swing in mood
- dramatic swing
- sharp swing
- swing toward
- mood swing
- market swing
- shift
more neutral; implies movement without suggesting it will reverse
- change
the most general word; less specific about direction or pattern
- fluctuation
implies repeated changes up and down over time
- stability
the state of staying the same without sudden changes
Grammar Patterns
a swing in [something]
a swing toward [something]
a swing of [number]
Usage Note
Frequently used in politics (swing in opinion / swing voters), finance (market swing), and emotion (mood swing). Often paired with an adjective describing the size or speed: 'dramatic swing', 'sharp swing', 'sudden swing'.
Common Mistakes
5. a piece of playground equipment made of a flat seat hanging from chains or ropes
a piece of playground equipment made of a flat seat hanging from chains or ropes that supports a person moving back and forth through the air for fun.
Yuki pushed her little brother on the swing until he asked to stop.
push someone on the swing — helping someone swing higher
The old swing in the park had chains that were rusted and loose.
Children lined up to take turns on the big yellow swing at the fair.
Asher sat on the swing and watched the sunset over the quiet playground.
A wooden swing hung from a thick branch of the oak tree in the yard.
- playground swing
- sit on a swing
- push someone on the swing
- garden swing
Grammar Patterns
on a swing
push someone on the swing
Common Mistakes
6. a performer in a large-scale musical or dance production who is trained to repla
a performer in a large-scale musical or dance production who is trained to replace any of several ensemble members or supporting roles when needed, rather than covering just one role.
Mira worked as a swing for the Broadway show, covering five different roles.
work as a swing — performer trained to cover multiple roles in a show
The production hired three swings to make sure every performance could go on.
As a swing, Putri had to learn the choreography for every dancer in the chorus.
When the lead singer fell ill, the swing stepped in and saved the show.
Being a swing requires quick thinking and the ability to adapt to last-minute changes.
- work as a swing
- swing cover
- hired as a swing
- understudy
covers one specific principal role, whereas a swing covers multiple ensemble roles
- cover
informal term in theater; a cover can be either an understudy or a swing
- alternate
a performer who regularly plays the same role on different days, not an emergency replacement
Grammar Patterns
swing + noun
work as a swing
swing for [production]
Usage Note
Used mainly in large-scale theater productions such as Broadway musicals. A swing differs from an understudy: understudies cover one specific principal role, while swings cover multiple roles in the ensemble.
Common Mistakes
7. the exciting and successful atmosphere that a party, celebration, or other socia
the exciting and successful atmosphere that a party, celebration, or other social event has when all the guests are enjoying themselves and having a wonderful time together.
Manuela's wedding reception went with a swing, with guests dancing until three in the morning.
fixed phrase: go(es) + with a swing
The school fête went with a swing this year, thanks to the volunteers.
With good food and lively music, the party went with a swing.
context: with [good ingredients] + event + goes with a swing
The New Year's Eve party went with a swing, and nobody noticed when midnight passed.
- go with a swing
- party
- wedding reception
- celebration
- festival
- fête
- lively
simpler word describing an energetic event, though not a fixed phrase like 'go with a swing'
- a rip-roaring success
more informal and emphatic; similar meaning but much stronger
- a blast
informal American English equivalent; 'we had a blast at the party'
Grammar Patterns
event/party + go(es) + with a swing
Usage Note
Always appears in the fixed phrase 'go with a swing'. The subject is always a social event or gathering — never a person or object. This phrase is common in British English but rarely used in American English.
Common Mistakes
8. A lively big band style with a strong, steady rhythm that grew popular in the mi
A lively big band style with a strong, steady rhythm that grew popular in the mid-twentieth century and got people onto the dance floor.
Shanti spent every weekend at the dance hall, listening to live swing music.
collocation: listen to live swing music
Gabriel's grandfather played swing music in a big band during the 1940s.
The dance teacher played swing music while the students practised their steps.
Swing music filled the ballroom as couples moved gracefully across the floor.
scene-setting: swing music fills a venue
- swing music
- swing band
- big band
- dance to swing
- swing era
- live swing
- big band jazz
emphasises the large orchestra format that played swing music
- swing jazz
a slightly more formal alternative term for the same genre
- hot jazz
a related style from the same era, known for its fast tempo and improvisation
- classical music
a contrasting genre that follows written scores rather than improvisation
- modern jazz
later jazz styles such as bebop and free jazz that moved away from danceable big band music
Grammar Patterns
swing + noun (swing music, swing band, swing dance)
Usage Note
As an uncountable noun, 'swing' does not have a plural form when referring to the music genre. The term can also be used attributively before other nouns, such as 'swing band', 'swing dancer', or 'swing era'.
Common Mistakes
in full swing
idiomat the busiest, most active, or most exciting stage of an event or activity.
By eight o'clock the party was in full swing, and guests were dancing in the garden.
Construction work is in full swing now, and the new building should be ready by autumn.
to become fully involved in and comfortable with a new activity, routine, or social situation.
It took Christopher a few weeks to get into the swing of things at his new job.
After the holiday break, the students were slow to get back into the swing of studying.
a situation where gains and losses tend to balance each other out, so the overall result is roughly equal.
Working freelance has its swings and roundabouts — you earn more but have less job security.
Living in a big city is swings and roundabouts: great opportunities, but higher costs too.
go with a swing
idiomif an event, especially a party or social occasion, goes with a swing, it is lively, successful, and enjoyable.
The street festival went with a swing this year, with music and food stalls everywhere.
The charity dinner went with a swing thanks to the excellent entertainment.
swing — adjective
1. relating to a style of jazz from the 1930s and 40s that has a strong, steady bea
relating to a style of jazz from the 1930s and 40s that has a strong, steady beat and a lively, bouncy feel that encourages dancing.
The dance hall played swing music all night, and couples filled the floor until midnight.
attributive use: swing music
Yuki learned swing dance steps from her grandmother, who competed in the 1940s.
attributive use: swing dance steps
A live swing band performed at the festival, with trumpets and saxophones leading the rhythm.
attributive use: swing band
Old swing records from the Benny Goodman era still sound fresh and exciting today.
attributive use: swing records
The nightclub had a special swing night every Thursday with a live jazz trio.
attributive use: swing night
- swing music
- swing band
- swing dance
- swing rhythm
- swing era
Grammar Patterns
swing + noun (music, band, dance, rhythm)
Usage Note
Almost always used before a noun to describe a specific type of music, dance, or event.
2. used to describe a voter, region, or group whose support cannot be predicted and
used to describe a voter, region, or group whose support cannot be predicted and whose choice can decide the outcome of an election.
Candidates spend most of their advertising money in swing states like Ohio and Florida.
attributive use: swing states
Wei visited fifty swing voters in the district and asked what mattered most to them.
attributive use: swing voters
The election came down to three swing counties where neither party had a clear lead.
attributive use: swing counties
Both parties held rallies in the same swing district on the weekend before the vote.
attributive use: swing district
A small group of swing voters in the suburbs decided the close election result.
- swing voter
- swing state
- swing district
- swing county
- undecided
used for people (undecided voter); less common for regions
- battleground
used for states/districts (battleground state); more dramatic in tone
- safe
a safe seat/state always goes to one party
Grammar Patterns
swing + noun (voter, state, district, county)
Usage Note
Primarily used in US political contexts. The noun that follows (voter, state, district) identifies what is undecided.
Common Mistakes
swing state
idioma US state where the Democratic and Republican parties have roughly equal levels of support, so the result of an election there is hard to predict.
Pennsylvania has been an important swing state in nearly every presidential election since 2000.
The candidates visited three swing states in the final week before Election Day.
swing voter
idioma person who does not always vote for the same political party and may vote for any party in an election.
The new tax policy was designed to attract swing voters who care about the economy.
Both parties sent mailers to every registered swing voter in the region.
swing music
idioma lively style of jazz that was especially popular in the 1930s and 1940s, usually played by a big band with a strong, steady rhythm.
Grandpa still listens to swing music every morning while he drinks his coffee.
The museum had a special exhibit about the history of swing music in America.
Word family
- swungverbA2
- swingingadjectiveB2
- swingernounC1
Synonym discussion
Sense: verb/3
All five verbs describe a change from one state or position to another, but they differ in how sudden, repeated, or controllable the movement is. 'Swing' (verb/3) emphasises a noticeable, often dramatic change from one extreme to another, as in 'public opinion swung from support to outrage' — it suggests a wide arc of movement. 'Shift' is the most neutral and flexible; it can describe any change, large or small, without implying that the change is sudden or extreme ('the company shifted its focus to Asia'). 'Fluctuate' describes repeated, irregular changes, typically up and down over time, and is most common in financial or statistical contexts ('prices fluctuated throughout the quarter'). 'Veer' implies a sudden change in direction, often literally (a car veering off the road) but also figuratively ('the conversation veered into dangerous territory'). 'Sway' suggests a gentler, less decisive movement, often back and forth between two positions ('she swayed between accepting and declining the offer'). In practical use: use 'swing' when the change is wide and noticeable; 'shift' for any neutral change; 'fluctuate' for ongoing ups and downs; 'veer' for a sudden, unplanned turn; and 'sway' for hesitant back-and-forth movement.
Common collocations
Phrases
- in full swing
- swing + open/shut
- swing + from X to Y
- swing + into action
- take a swing at
- get into the swing of things
- swing + around/round
- swing state/voter/district
- mood swing
- swing music/band/dance
Etymology
The word 'swing' traces back to Old English *swingan*, which originally meant "to beat, strike, or flog" — a very different action from its modern meaning. It is related to Old Norse *svinga* and comes from the Proto-Germanic root *swinganą* (to bend, toss, or move in a curve). Over time the meaning shifted from a violent striking motion to the idea of moving in a sweeping, curved path. By the 1500s it was used for hanging objects that move back and forth, and by the 1920s the term was applied to a lively style of jazz music that made people want to dance — a sense that still feels dynamic today.