# swinging

/ˈswɪŋɪŋ/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. moving back and forth

verb · CEFR B1

moving or swaying from side to side or back and forth.

For teachers: the present participle of swing, describing a rhythmic oscillating motion.

- The children were swinging on the playground equipment all afternoon.
- The heavy pendulum was swinging with perfect regularity, marking the passage of seconds in the silent hallway.

### 2. the act of moving

noun · CEFR B2

the physical action of moving back and forth.

For teachers: the act or motion of something that swings; often used to describe a sports technique.

- The coach told him that the swinging of his arms was too fast.
- The rhythmic swinging of the scythes through the tall grass was the only sound in the meadow.

### 3. partner swapping

noun · CEFR C2 · Informal

a lifestyle where couples have sex with other people.

For teachers: the practice of engaging in sexual activities with other couples or individuals as a social activity.

- They decided to try swinging to add some excitement to their marriage.
- Sociologists have studied swinging as a subculture that challenges traditional notions of monogamy within long-term relationships.

### 4. fashionable and exciting

adjective · CEFR C1 · Informal

very modern, exciting, and fashionable.

For teachers: characterised by modern, lively, and fashionable social activity; famously associated with 1960s London.

- London was known as a swinging city during the 1960s.
- The documentary captures the essence of the swinging sixties, focusing on the explosion of new music and bold fashion choices.

Teaching tip: This sense is mostly used to describe the 1960s; using it for modern contexts may sound dated or humorous.

## Examples

- They decided to try swinging to spice up their marriage.
- The couple joined a private club dedicated to swinging after discussing their boundaries for several months.
- Sociological studies of swinging often highlight the importance of strict consensual rules and the maintenance of the primary emotional bond despite the introduction of external sexual partners.

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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.