Swing: meaning, definitions and examples

A swing is typically found in playgrounds and is used for a back-and-forth motion. It's a hanging seat that moves with the force of the user. Suitable for children and sometimes adults as a relaxing activity.

• The kids lined up to take turns on the swing.
• She loved the gentle sway of the swing on a sunny afternoon.

A seesaw, or teeter-totter, is a long, balanced board that moves up and down around a central pivot. It's used by two children at opposite ends, providing a fun, cooperative experience. Requires collaboration to enjoy effectively.

• The siblings enjoyed the seesaw, laughing as they went up and down.
• A friend always made the seesaw more fun.

A slide is a playground fixture that involves climbing to the top and then sliding down a smooth surface. It can be made from plastic or metal, and is popular for its simple thrill and ease of use. Great for young children seeking mild adventure.

• He couldn't wait to race down the big, spiral slide.
• The toddler giggled as she went down the small slide.

A climbing frame, often known as a jungle gym, is a structure designed for children to climb on as part of a playground. It usually includes bars, ladders, and sometimes ropes. Ideal for improving physical strength and coordination in children.

• The new climbing frame at the park was the biggest attraction for the kids.
• He quickly mastered the climbing frame, swinging from bar to bar with ease.

Listed again, but this time as a verb it can mean to move smoothly back and forth or to have a rhythmic motion, not necessarily related to music.

• He loves to swing on the backyard hammock.
• The pendulum swings rhythmically.

A broad genre of music that originated in African American communities in the early 20th century, encompassing a wide variety of styles including swing. Used when referring to any form of this genre.

• She loves listening to jazz on a Sunday afternoon.
• His music collection includes a lot of classic jazz records.

Refers to a style of jazz performed by large orchestras, typically consisting of brass, woodwinds, and rhythm sections, that became popular during the Swing Era. Ideal for formal or large events where dance music is desired.

• The wedding featured a live performance of big band music.
• He is a big fan of big band music from the 1940s.

A broad term that encompasses various genres designed explicitly for dancing, including but not limited to swing, electronic, pop, and more modern styles. Used in contexts where dancing is the main activity.

• The club was packed with people enjoying the dance music.
• They hired a DJ to play dance music at the party.

This word is commonly used when something moves back and forth with a smooth, steady motion, often in a rhythmic manner. It can refer to people, objects, or the motion of a pendulum.

• The children love to swing on the playground.
• The garden gate swings open easily during the wind.
• The pendulum of the clock swings back and forth.

This term is typically used when something moves gently back and forth or from side to side, often to soothe or aid in sleep. It's often associated with people holding children or winds affecting boats.

• She rocks the baby to sleep every night.
• The boat rocked gently on the waves.
• He likes to rock in his old chair by the fireplace.

'Sway' implies a gentle, often unsteady motion or influence, usually side to side. It can describe physical movement caused by wind or influence over opinions or emotions.

• The tall grass swayed in the breeze.
• Her performance swayed the judges' decision.
• The trees sway during strong winds.

Used in more scientific or technical settings, 'oscillate' describes motion back and forth in a regular pattern. It often refers to objects, signals, or systems, and is suitable for describing mechanical or electronic movements.

• The fan blade oscillates to cool the entire room.
• The scientist observed the particle oscillate under the microscope.
• The stock prices oscillate daily due to market changes.