# sway

/ˈsweɪ/ (US) · /swˈeɪ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sway
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. to move side to side

verb · CEFR B2

to move slowly and rhythmically from one side to the other.

For teachers: to move or swing rhythmically backward and forward or from side to side. Often used intransitively to describe the motion of tall structures or trees.

- The tall grass began to sway gently in the afternoon breeze.
- The skyscrapers are designed to sway slightly during high winds to prevent the structural materials from cracking under pressure.

### 2. to influence someone

verb · CEFR B2

to persuade someone to change their mind or to influence a decision.

For teachers: to influence or direct a person's opinion, emotions, or actions through persuasion or authority.

- The lawyer tried to sway the jury with an emotional story.
- The marketing campaign was specifically designed to sway undecided voters in the final weeks leading up to the national election.

### 3. to hoist a mast

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical

to lift a heavy part of a ship, like a mast, into its place.

For teachers: to hoist a mast or yard into its proper position. Usually used with 'up'.

- The sailors worked together to sway the heavy yard into position.
- The crew prepared to sway up the topmast as soon as the vessel reached the calmer waters of the bay.

Usage: Often appears as the phrasal verb 'sway up'.

### 4. power or control

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

power, influence, or control over a person or a situation.

For teachers: controlling influence, power, or dominion. Often used in the phrase 'to hold sway'.

- For many years, the old king held sway over the entire valley.
- Traditional customs still hold sway in the rural provinces, despite the rapid modernisation occurring in the capital city.

### 5. a swinging movement

noun · CEFR B2

a slow movement from side to side.

For teachers: a rhythmic lateral motion or the act of swinging.

- The boat had a gentle sway that made some passengers feel sleepy.
- The dancer moved with a natural sway that perfectly complemented the slow tempo of the jazz ensemble.

## Examples

- The tall trees sway gently in the wind.
- The speaker's emotional story began to sway the crowd, changing their minds about the new law.
- The ship began to sway as the storm intensified, making it difficult for the crew to maintain their footing on the slick wooden deck.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.