# swing /ˈswɪŋ/ (US) · /swˈɪŋ/ (UK) Source: https://englishreference.com/word/swing Updated: 2026-06-19 ## Senses ### 1. to move back and forth verb · CEFR A2 to move or make something move back and forth while hanging from a fixed point. For teachers: to move or cause to move with an oscillatory motion while suspended or pivoted. - The children spent the whole afternoon swinging on the old tire in the garden. - The heavy iron gate began to swing shut as the wind picked up, its hinges creaking loudly in the silence. ### 2. to change suddenly verb · CEFR B2 to change quickly from one opinion, mood, or state to another. For teachers: to fluctuate or shift significantly between different states, opinions, or conditions. - His mood can swing from happy to angry in just a few seconds. - Public opinion began to swing toward the opposition party as the economic crisis deepened throughout the winter months. ### 3. to manage or arrange verb · CEFR C1 · Informal to successfully arrange or afford something, especially when it is difficult. For teachers: to manage to achieve or arrange something through effort or cleverness; often used regarding financial feasibility. - I am not sure if I can swing a trip to Hawaii this year on my current budget. - If we can swing an early meeting with the director, we might secure the funding before the end of the fiscal year. ### 4. playground equipment noun · CEFR A2 a seat hanging from ropes or chains that you sit on to move back and forth. For teachers: a suspended seat on which a person may sit and move to and fro for recreation. - The little girl asked her father to push her higher on the swing. - The playground was deserted, with only a single empty swing moving gently in the breeze. ### 5. music and dance style noun · CEFR B1 a type of jazz music with a bouncy rhythm, or the dance people do to it. For teachers: a style of jazz characterized by a propulsive rhythm and 'swung' notes; also the associated partner dance. - The band played classic swing music that made everyone want to get up and dance. - The revival of swing in the late nineties brought a new generation of dancers to the ballrooms of London and New York. ### 6. a shift in opinion or results noun · CEFR B2 a big change in a situation, especially in how people vote. For teachers: a discernible shift in public opinion or electoral support from one party or candidate to another. - There was a massive swing toward the Green Party in the local elections. - Political analysts were surprised by the ten-percent swing in the rural districts, which ultimately decided the outcome of the national election. ### 7. theatre understudy noun · CEFR C1 · Technical a performer who learns many different roles so they can replace anyone who is sick. For teachers: a member of the company who understudies several ensemble roles and is prepared to perform any of them on short notice. - The swing had to go on stage tonight because three ensemble members were ill. - Being a swing is one of the most demanding jobs in musical theatre, requiring the performer to memorize multiple tracks and blocking patterns. ### 8. sideways movement of a ball noun · CEFR C1 · Technical the way a ball moves to the side through the air after it is thrown or hit. For teachers: the lateral movement of a ball through the air, typically achieved by specific bowling or striking techniques. - The bowler got a lot of swing on the ball because of the humid weather. - The pitcher's ability to generate late swing made it nearly impossible for the batters to make solid contact with the ball. ## Examples - The children are playing on the swing in the garden. - She sat on the wooden swing and pushed off the ground with her feet to go higher. - The rhythmic swing of the pendulum provided a steady, hypnotic pulse that filled the quiet library, marking each passing second with mechanical precision. --- 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.