# swaying

/ˈsweɪɪŋ/ (US) · /swˈeɪɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/swaying
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

moving slowly and rhythmically from side to side or back and forth. You use this to describe things like trees in the wind or people dancing slowly.

For teachers: moving or leaning gently from side to side or back and forth. Often functions as a participial adjective describing rhythmic motion or instability.

## Examples

- The swaying trees look beautiful in the breeze.
- The swaying motion of the boat made several passengers feel slightly seasick during the crossing.
- The tall grass formed a swaying sea of green that rippled whenever the wind swept across the open plains.

## Usage notes

- Often used as a participial adjective before a noun or after a linking verb.

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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.