swinging
v. · n. · adj.-
1 moving back and forth (v.) B1 Intermediatemoving or swaying from side to side or back and forth.
the present participle of swing, describing a rhythmic oscillating motion.
ExampleThe children were swinging on the playground equipment all afternoon.
ExampleThe heavy pendulum was swinging with perfect regularity, marking the passage of seconds in the silent hallway.
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2 the act of moving (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Sportthe physical action of moving back and forth.
the act or motion of something that swings; often used to describe a sports technique.
ExampleThe coach told him that the swinging of his arms was too fast.
ExampleThe rhythmic swinging of the scythes through the tall grass was the only sound in the meadow.
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3 partner swapping (n.) C2 Proficiency Informala lifestyle where couples have sex with other people.
the practice of engaging in sexual activities with other couples or individuals as a social activity.
ExampleThey decided to try swinging to add some excitement to their marriage.
ExampleSociologists have studied swinging as a subculture that challenges traditional notions of monogamy within long-term relationships.
- partner swapping
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4 fashionable and exciting (adj.) C1 Advanced Informalvery modern, exciting, and fashionable.
characterised by modern, lively, and fashionable social activity; famously associated with 1960s London.
ExampleLondon was known as a swinging city during the 1960s.
ExampleThe documentary captures the essence of the swinging sixties, focusing on the explosion of new music and bold fashion choices.
Teacher's tipThis sense is mostly used to describe the 1960s; using it for modern contexts may sound dated or humorous.
The sexual practice is so called after the custom in swing dancing of changing partners after each dance, unlike traditional ballroom dance styles where one has a single partner.