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

Despite his relatively low visibility, Haynes’ complex but always swinging style has had a significant impact — first upon the playing of such otherwise highly original drummers as Jones, DeJohnette and Tony Williams and in more recent years on Jeff “Tain” Watts, Eric Harland, Matt Wilson and others.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Trump has just about done it again—and the country’s largely swinging further to the right on down-ballot candidates and even some ballot initiatives.

From Slate

“Living in the state 50 years, playing in front of millions of people, entertaining... you’ve seen me succeed, you’ve seen me fail, but you’ve seen me get up, and keep swinging, and keep trying. That’s what we do, because we have the faith.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• fluctuating