swing

To swing is defined as to move back and forth.

(verb)

An example of to swing is to sit on a board hanging from a tree and move back and forward.

The definition of a swing is a movement in a back and forth direction or a piece of playground equipment for moving backward and forward.

(noun)

An example of a swing is the movement of a yo yo being rocked back and forth by its string.
An example of a swing is a board of wood with two ropes on each side that is found hanging from a play structure at a park.

Swing means allowing for a back and forth movement, a work shift or having the power to decide something.

(adjective)

An example of swing used as an adjective is the phrase a swing latch which means a latch that moves back and forth to open or close.
An example of swing used as an adjective is the phrase swing shift which means a work period between the day shift and the night shift, usually 4 pm to midnight.
An example of swing used as an adjective is the phrase a swing vote which means a vote that will determine who wins in an election.

See swing in Webster's New World College Dictionary

intransitive verb swung, swinging

to sway or move backward and forward with regular movement, as a freely hanging object or a ship at anchor; oscillate
to walk, trot, etc. with freely swaying, relaxed movements of the limbs
to deliver or aim a blow; strike (at)
to turn or pivot, as on a hinge or swivel: the door swung open
to move in a curve, esp. in order to go around something: the driver swung around the stalled car
1. to hang; be suspended
2. Informal to be put to death by hanging
to move backward and forward on a swing ()
☆ to have an exciting rhythmic quality: music that really swings
☆ Slang to be ultra-fashionable, sophisticated, active, etc., esp. in the pursuit of pleasure
Slang
1. to engage in casual sexual relations, esp. in an open, deliberate way
2. to exchange partners with other couples and engage in sexual activity: said esp. of married couples

Origin: ME swingen < OE swingan, akin to Ger schwingen, to brandish < IE base *sweng-, to curve, swing

transitive verb

1. to move or wave (a weapon, tool, bat, etc.) with a sweeping motion; flourish; brandish
2. to lift or hoist with a sweeping motion
to cause (a hanging object) to sway backward and forward; specif., to cause (a person on a swing) to move backward and forward by pushing or pulling the swing
to cause to turn or pivot, as on a hinge or swivel: to swing a door open
to cause to hang freely, so as to be capable of easy movement: to swing a hammock
to cause to move in a curve: to swing a car around a corner
to move (a ship or aircraft) through the points of the compass in order to check compass error
☆ Informal to cause to come about successfully; manage with the desired results: to swing an election
☆ to play (music) in the style of swing

noun

the act or process of swinging
the arc, or the length of the arc, through which something swings: the swing of a pendulum
the manner of swinging; specif., the manner of striking with a golf club, baseball bat, the arm, etc.
freedom to do as one wishes or is naturally inclined: given full swing in the matter
a free, relaxed motion, as in walking
a sweeping blow or stroke
the course, development, or movement of some activity, business, etc.
the power, or force, behind something swung or thrown; impetus
rhythm, as of poetry or music
a device, as a seat hanging from ropes or chains, on which one can sit and swing backward and forward as a form of amusement
a trip or tour: a swing around the country
☆ a style of jazz, esp. in its development from about 1935 to 1945, characterized by the use of large bands, fast tempos, and written arrangements for ensemble playing
☆ Business, Informal regular upward and downward change in the price of stocks or in some other business activity

adjective

of, in, or playing swing (music)
having or likely to have decisive power, as in determining the result of an election: the swing vote

Related Forms:

See swing in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb swung swung (swŭng), swing·ing, swings

verb, intransitive

To move back and forth suspended or as if suspended from above.
To hit at something with a sweeping motion of the arm: swung at the ball.
To move laterally or in a curve: The car swung over to the curb.
To turn in place on or as if on a hinge or pivot.
To move along with an easy, swaying gait: swinging down the road.
To propel oneself from one place or position to another by grasping a fixed support: swinging through the trees.
To ride on a swing.
To shift from one attitude, interest, condition, or emotion to another; vacillate.
Slang To be put to death by hanging.
Music
a. To have a subtle, intuitively felt rhythm or sense of rhythm.
b. To play with a subtle, intuitively felt sense of rhythm.
Slang
a. To be lively, trendy, and exciting.
b. To engage freely in promiscuous sex.
c. To exchange sex partners. Used especially of married couples.
d. To have a sexual orientation toward one or both sexes.

verb, transitive

To cause to move back and forth, as on a swing.
To cause to move in a broad arc or curve: swing a bat; swung the car over.
a. To cause to move with a sweeping motion: swinging his arms.
b. To lift and convey with a sweeping motion: swung the cargo onto the deck.
To suspend so as to sway or turn freely: swung a hammock between two trees.
a. To suspend on hinges: swing a shutter.
b. To cause to turn on hinges: swung the door shut.
To cause to shift from one attitude, position, opinion, or condition to another.
Informal
a. To manage or arrange successfully: swing a deal.
b. To bring around to the desired result: swing an election.
Music To play (music) with a subtle, intuitively felt sense of rhythm.

noun

The act or an instance of swinging; movement back and forth or in one particular direction.
The sweep or scope of something that swings: The pendulum's swing is 12 inches.
A blow or stroke executed with a sweeping motion of the arm.
The manner in which one swings something, such as a bat or golf club.
A shift from one attitude, position, or condition to another: a swing to conservatism.
Freedom of action: The children have free swing in deciding what color to paint their room.
a. A swaying, graceful motion: has a swing to her walk.
b. A sweep back and forth: the swing of a bird across the sky.
A course or tour that returns to the starting point: a swing across the state while campaigning.
A seat suspended from above, as by ropes, on which one can ride back and forth for recreation.
The normal rhythm of life or pace of activities: back in the swing.
A steady, vigorous rhythm or movement, as in verse.
A regular movement up or down, as in stock prices.
Music
a. A type of popular dance music developed about 1935 and based on jazz but employing a larger band, less improvisation, and simpler harmonic and rhythmic patterns.
b. A ballroom dance performed to this music.
c. A subtle, intuitively felt rhythmic quality or sense of rhythm.