# swoop

/ˈswup/ (US) · /swˈuːp/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/swoop
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. to fly down quickly

verb · CEFR B2

to fly or move down through the air very fast, usually to catch something.

For teachers: to descend rapidly through the air in a sweeping motion, typically to seize prey or an object.

- The eagle began to swoop down toward the lake when it spotted a fish.
- The hawk circled the field twice before it began to swoop toward the tall grass, its talons ready to strike the unsuspecting rodent.

### 2. to attack or arrive suddenly

verb · CEFR B2

to arrive or attack suddenly and without warning.

For teachers: to make a sudden, swift entrance or attack, often involving a large group or force.

- Police officers were ready to swoop on the building at dawn.
- Customs officials were prepared to swoop on the vessel as soon as it docked, acting on a tip regarding illegal cargo.

### 3. a sudden downward movement

noun · CEFR B2

a fast, sweeping movement through the air.

For teachers: an act of plunging or gliding downwards suddenly.

- With one quick swoop, the bird caught the insect in mid-air.
- The owl's silent swoop was so fast that the prey had no time to react before being carried away into the night.

### 4. music

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a quick slide from one musical note to another.

For teachers: a rapid transition or glissando-like movement between two distinct pitches.

- The singer added a dramatic swoop to the final note of the song.
- The conductor requested a more pronounced swoop from the violins during the transition to the second movement to heighten the emotional tension.

### 5. to collect cigarette butts

verb · CEFR C2 · British English · Slang

to look for old cigarette ends on the ground to use them again.

For teachers: to scavenge for discarded cigarette butts for the purpose of recycling the remaining tobacco.

- He was so broke he spent the afternoon trying to swoop for tobacco.
- The local authorities noted an increase in people attempting to swoop near the bus station as tobacco prices continued to rise.

## Examples

- The eagle will swoop down to catch the fish.
- The owl waited on the branch before it began to swoop silently toward the field mouse below.
- Security forces were prepared to swoop on the building as soon as the signal was given, ending the standoff before the suspects could react.

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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.