swing
vb , swings, swinging, swung
1 to move or cause to move rhythmically to and fro, as a free-hanging object; sway
2 intr to move, walk, etc., with a relaxed and swaying motion
3 to pivot or cause to pivot, as on a hinge
4 to move or cause to move in a curve
the car swung around the bend
5 to move or cause to move by suspending or being suspended
6 to hang or be hung so as to be able to turn freely
7 intr
Slang to be hanged
he'll swing for it
8 to alter or cause to alter habits, a course, etc.
9 tr
Informal to influence or manipulate successfully
I hope he can swing the deal
10 tr; foll by: up to raise or hoist, esp. in a sweeping motion
11 intr; often foll by: at to hit out or strike (at), esp. with a sweeping motion
12 tr to wave (a weapon, etc.) in a sweeping motion; flourish
13 to arrange or play (music) with the rhythmically flexible and compulsive quality associated with jazz
14 intr (of popular music, esp. jazz, or of the musicians who play it) to have this quality
15 Slang to be lively and modern
16 intr
Slang to swap sexual partners in a group, esp. habitually
17 intr (Cricket) to bowl (a ball) with swing or (of a ball) to move with a swing
18 to turn (a ship or aircraft) in order to test compass error
19 ♦
swing both ways
Slang to enjoy sexual partners of both sexes
20 ♦
swing the lead
Informal to malinger or make up excuses
n
21 the act or manner of swinging or the distance covered while swinging
a wide swing
22 a sweeping stroke or blow
23 (Boxing) a wide punch from the side similar to but longer than a hook
24 (Cricket) the lateral movement of a bowled ball through the air
25 any free-swaying motion
26 any curving movement; sweep
27 something that swings or is swung, esp. a suspended seat on which a person may sit and swing back and forth
a a kind of popular dance music influenced by jazz, usually played by big bands and originating in the 1930s
b (as modifier)
swing music
29 (Prosody) a steady distinct rhythm or cadence in prose or verse
30 Informal the normal round or pace
get into the swing of things
a a fluctuation, as in some business activity, voting pattern etc.
b as modifier able to bring about a swing in a voting pattern
swing party
32 (U.S.)
informal free scope; freedom of activity
33 (Chiefly U.S.) a circular tour
34 (Canadian) a tour of a particular area or region
35 ♦
go with a swing to go well; be successful
36 ♦
in full swing at the height of activity
37 ♦
swings and roundabouts equal advantages and disadvantages (Old English swingan; related to Old Frisian swinga, Old High German swingan)
swing bridge
n
1 (Also called)
pivot bridge, turn bridge a low bridge that can be rotated about a vertical axis, esp. to permit the passage of ships
Compare →
drawbridge
2 (N.Z.) a pedestrian bridge over a river, suspended by heavy wire cables
swing door , swinging door
n a door pivoted or hung on double-sided hinges so that it can open either way
swing shift
n the usual U.S. and Canadian term for →
backshift
swing-wing
adj
1 of or relating to a variable-geometry aircraft
n
b either wing of such an aircraft
western swing
n a 1930s jazz-influenced style of country music