Swishing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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swishing

[ˈswɪʃɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

sound

To move swiftly with a rustling sound.

Synonyms

rustle, swoosh, whoosh.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
swishing

Used to describe a light, repetitive sound, often made by fabric or leaves moving gently.

  • The long dress made a swishing sound as she walked
  • The wind was swishing through the trees
swoosh

Describes a quick, smooth, and sweeping sound, often associated with fast movement through air or water.

  • The basketball made a satisfying swoosh as it went through the net
  • He dived into the pool with a swoosh
rustle

Used to describe a soft, crackling, and often dry sound, usually associated with leaves, paper, or other fine materials.

  • She heard a rustle in the bushes and turned to see what it was
  • The papers rustled as he sorted through them
whoosh

Used to describe a rapid, rushing sound, typically caused by fast movement of air or water.

  • The train passed by with a loud whoosh
  • With a whoosh, the door opened and a gust of wind blew in

Examples of usage

  • The leaves were swishing in the wind.
  • She could hear the swishing of the car passing by.
Context #2 | Noun

skiing

A technique used in skiing to make a fast turn by shifting weight quickly from one ski to the other.

Synonyms

maneuver, shifting, turning.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
swishing

Used to describe a sound or motion that is light, swift, and often fluid, like the rustling of fabric or the movement of a sword.

  • The dancer's dress swished as she spun around.
  • He swung the sword with a swift, swishing sound.
turning

Generally implies a literal or figurative change in direction, suitable for describing a physical movement, a change in course, or a change of mind.

  • She was turning the knob to open the door.
  • He considered turning his life around after the accident.
shifting

Often used to describe a change in position, direction, or focus, whether it be physical, emotional, or conceptual. It implies a straightforward, non-dramatic movement.

  • The gears in the car were shifting smoothly.
  • Her mood kept shifting throughout the day.
maneuver

Refers to a skillful or careful movement or series of moves, often used in contexts involving strategy, vehicles, or physical activities.

  • The driver made a sharp maneuver to avoid the obstacle.
  • The general planned a clever military maneuver to surprise the enemy.

Examples of usage

  • He executed a perfect swishing maneuver on the slope.
  • She practiced her swishing skills on the ski course.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In sports, especially basketball, a 'swish' means the ball goes through the basket without touching the rim or backboard, making it a perfect shot.
  • Swishing is often associated with graceful movements in dance, making it a popular term in choreography.
  • Fashion enthusiasts often use 'swishing' to describe the sound of flowing garments, like skirts or capes, when they move.

Science

  • Aerodynamics studies how objects like planes and cars can create swishing sounds when cutting through the air.
  • The speed at which a fluid moves can create swishing sounds, which help scientists understand fluid dynamics better.
  • Swishing sounds can also occur in nature, such as the rustling of leaves or water flowing quickly over rocks.

Literature

  • The term appears in children's literature, often symbolizing excitement and movement in storytelling.
  • Poets use 'swishing' to evoke vivid imagery, conjuring sounds that enhance the atmosphere in their works.
  • Famous authors, like Roald Dahl, incorporate swishing to add playful elements to their characters and scenes.

Psychology

  • The sound of swishing may evoke feelings of nostalgia or comfort, reminiscent of playful childhood activities.
  • Studies indicate that sounds can affect mood; swishing sounds can create a sense of calm or relaxation in certain contexts.
  • In therapy, incorporating movement that produces swishing sounds can help promote mindfulness and focus.

Origin of 'swishing'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'swish' has roots in the late 19th century, originally describing the sound of something moving swiftly.
  • It possibly derives from the Middle Dutch word 'swissen', meaning to swing or to move back and forth.
  • Over time, 'swish' has evolved into different contexts, especially in sports and fashion.

The word 'swishing' originated from the Middle English word 'swischen', meaning 'to rustle'. Over time, it evolved to incorporate the sense of swift movement with a rustling sound. The term 'swishing' is commonly associated with the sound of movement, such as leaves in the wind or fabric brushing against each other.


See also: swish.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,449 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.