Swing: meaning, definitions and examples

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swing

[swɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

playground equipment

A seat suspended by ropes or chains, on which someone may sit and swing back and forth.

Synonyms

climbing frame, seesaw, slide.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
swing	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.
seesaw	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.
slide	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.
climbing frame	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.

Examples of usage

Children love to play on the swing at the park.
She was swinging on the swing with a big smile on her face.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

music

A style of jazz or dance music with a lively rhythm and melodies played by a big band.

Synonyms

big band music, dance music, jazz.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
swing	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.
jazz	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.
big band music	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.
dance music	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.

Examples of usage

The band played a great swing music at the concert.
She enjoys dancing to the swing music.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

move back and forth

Move or cause to move back and forth or from side to side while suspended or on an axis.

Synonyms

oscillate, rock, sway.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
swing	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.
rock	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	'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.
oscillate	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.

Examples of usage

He likes to swing on the swing in the backyard.
The pendulum began to swing back and forth.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old English 'swingan', which means 'to strike or to beat'.
In the 14th century, 'swing' referred to the movement of dancing as well as physical motion.
It has connections to other Germanic languages, including the Dutch 'swingen', meaning to 'to swing or sway'.

Cultural Significance

Swing music became popular in the 1930s, marked by big bands and lively dances.
Many cultures have different types of swings, from the playground swings common in Western countries to more traditional swings found in various indigenous cultures.
Swing dancing is a lively style that emerged from jazz music, showcasing the joy and spontaneity of the swing movement.

Science and Physics

In physics, a pendulum is a classic example of a swing, illustrating simple harmonic motion as it moves back and forth.
The swing's dynamic motion can be analyzed using principles of energy conservation, showing how potential energy transforms into kinetic energy.
Kids using swings can learn about gravity and forces by feeling the push and pull as they swing higher!

Literature

The concept of swinging has been used metaphorically in literature to symbolize life's ups and downs.
In poetry, swinging motion often represents freedom and escape, capturing the joy or melancholy of fleeting moments.
Several classic children's books feature swings as symbols of childhood innocence and adventure.

Pop Culture

Swing music influenced popular films in the 1990s, reviving interest in dance and big band sounds.
The term 'swing' has been slang for various cultural movements, including the Swinging Sixties, which symbolized a shift in social norms.
Famous songs and movies sometimes reference swinging as a metaphor for fun, freedom, and joy.

Translations

Translations of the word "swing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 balanço

gangorra
balançar

🇮🇳 झूलना

🇩🇪 Schaukel

🇮🇩 ayunan

🇺🇦 гойдалка

🇵🇱 huśtawka

🇯🇵 ブランコ

🇫🇷 balançoire

🇪🇸 columpio

🇹🇷 salıncak

🇰🇷 그네

🇸🇦 أرجوحة

🇨🇿 houpačka

🇸🇰 hojdačka

🇨🇳 秋千

🇸🇮 gugalnica

🇮🇸 róla

🇰🇿 тербелу

🇬🇪 საქანელა

🇦🇿 salıncak

🇲🇽 columpio

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,935 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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