Swings: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used in playgrounds and parks where children or even adults enjoy moving back and forth for fun.

• The children spent hours on the swings at the playground

Usually refers to an oscillating object, often found in clocks, describing the motion rather than the object used for sitting or playing. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something that swings back and forth.

• The pendulum in the old grandfather clock swung steadily back and forth

Commonly used to refer to a seat that is suspended, usually on a porch or in a garden, intended for relaxation. Often refers to a swing that is more for resting than playing.

• In the evening, we like to sit on the hanging seat on the porch and watch the sunset

Used when talking about a back-and-forth motion of objects or situations, such as a swing set in a park or emotional changes.

• The children are playing on the swings.
• Her mood swings were hard to predict.

Often used to describe a slow swinging motion, typically of something tall and narrow like trees or a person standing. Can also refer to influencing someone's opinion or actions.

• The trees sway gently in the wind.
• He tried to sway the voters with his speech.

More technical or scientific context, typically used to describe the regular back-and-forth movement of something like a pendulum or electrical currents.

• The fan blade oscillates to cool the entire room.
• The scientist measured how the pendulum oscillates.