swinging

[ swing-ing ]

adjective

, superlative swing·ing·est.

1. characterized by or capable of swinging, being swung, or causing to swing.
2. intended for swinging upon, by, from, or in:

   the swinging devices in a playground.

3. Slang. excellent; first-rate.
4. Slang. lively, active, and modern; hip.
5. Slang.
   1. free and uninhibited sexually:

      a swinging bachelor.

   2. exchanging spouses for sex:

      swinging married couples.

noun

1. the activity or act of a person who swings.
2. Slang.
   1. the act or practice of being free and uninhibited sexually.
   2. the exchanging of spouses for sex.

swinging

/ ˈswɪŋɪŋ /

adjective

1. moving rhythmically to and fro
2. slang.
   modern and lively

noun

1. slang.
   the practice of swapping sexual partners in a group, esp habitually

Derived Forms

• ˈswingingly, adverb

Other Words From

• swinging·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of swinging¹

First recorded in 1550–60; swing ¹ + -ing ²

Example Sentences

Motie, who played with more class than his batting position suggests, came out swinging - striking his first two balls for six and continuing to take 31 from his first nine balls.

From BBC

The smooth Hernández begins dancing merengue in his chair and pretends to bat like a Dominican baseball player, swinging his hips.

From Salon

A woman approached by a man holding a kitchen knife in Londonderry warned off her attacker by swinging her dog lead at him, police have said.

From BBC

He also created an eerie orb sitting within the ancient Callanish stones on the Isle of Lewis, by swinging a light on the end of a string like a lasso during the long exposure time.

From BBC

Plaza came out swinging in a speech at the WSJ Magazine Innovator Awards on Tuesday night.

From Salon

Related Words

• fluctuating