swan dive

¹

noun

, Diving.

1. a forward dive in which the diver while in the air assumes a position with the arms outstretched at shoulder height and the legs straight and together, and enters the water with the arms stretched above the head.

swan-dive

²

[ swon-dahyv ]

verb (used without object)

, swan-dived, swan-div·ing.

1. to perform a swan dive.
2. to decrease suddenly and decisively; plummet:

   Stock prices swan-dived overnight.

swan dive

noun

1. a type of dive in which the diver arches back while in the air, keeping his legs straight and together and his arms outstretched, finally entering the water headfirst Also called (in Britain and certain other countries)swallow dive

Word History and Origins

Origin of swan dive¹

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Argentina then took charge of the breakdown and a smart turnover set them on their way for Joaquin Oviedo to swan dive under the posts.

From BBC

Taking off like a swan dive into a pool of water, Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa landed on top of the pile, his body weight forcing the Corona Centennial ballcarrier to hit the turf and end the play.

From Los Angeles Times

The conditions prompted Diaz to do a swan dive and others to make snow angels, and left maintenance crews at Coors Field hoisting shovels full of hail and working to restore order to the field.

From Seattle Times

Springer’s swan dive into TV nihilism seems to have been inspired by another syndicated talk show of the time, hosted by Jenny Jones.

From Washington Post

“If the United States defaulted, millions of jobs would vanish in an instant; retirement funds would take a swan dive.”

From New York Times