Swing Meaning and Definition
Swing
Pronunciation
/swɪŋ/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A seat suspended by chains or ropes, typically found in a playground or backyard, used for recreation or leisure.
Examples
- The kids loved playing on the swing set in the park.
- Sarah pushed her brother on the swing until he was laughing.
Synonyms
- Sling
- Pendulum
Antonyms
- Still
- Stationary
Additional Information
Swings are a popular playground equipment, providing hours of fun and exercise for children. They come in various forms, including single-seat swings, tire swings, and baby swings. Swings can also be found in backyards, often attached to a tree branch or a freestanding frame.
In addition to their recreational use, swings have been shown to have therapeutic benefits, such as improving balance and coordination, and even helping to reduce stress and anxiety.
Etymology
The word “swing” originated in Old English as “swīngan”, meaning “to swing or sway”, and has evolved to encompass various meanings, including the recreational equipment and the act of moving back and forth.
Usage Notes
In British English, the term “swing” is often used to refer to the act of playing on a swing, while in American English, it is more commonly used to refer to the equipment itself.
Cultural References
Swings have appeared in numerous films, television shows, and literature, often symbolizing childhood innocence and carefree joy. Examples include the iconic swing scene in the movie “The Sound of Music” and the nostalgic descriptions of swings in novels like “To Kill a Mockingbird”.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- In full swing: fully active or operational.
- Get into the swing of things: to start enjoying or adapting to a new situation.
Related Words or Phrases
- Playground
- Recreation
- Leisure
Collocations
- swing set
- swing high
- swing low
Frequency of Use
The word “swing” is moderately common in everyday language, with a frequency of around 0.05% in written English.
Common Misspellings
- swimg
- swin
- swinng