swashbuckling

[ swosh-buhk-ling, swawsh- ]

adjective

1. characteristic of or behaving in the manner of a swashbuckler.

noun

1. the activities, deeds, or adventures of a swashbuckler.

swashbuckling

/ ˈswɒʃˌbʌklɪŋ /

adjective

1. of or characteristic of a swashbuckler
2. (esp of films in period costume) full of adventure and excitement

Word History and Origins

Origin of swashbuckling¹

First recorded in 1685–95; swashbuckl(er) + -ing ², -ing ¹

Example Sentences

It is more of a fantasy film than a pirate film, but there are some great swordfights that make for some swashbuckling entertainment.

From TechCrunch

Famed for a crowd-pleasing, swashbuckling golf game, Mickelson is also known for an eagerness to raise the stakes, both on the course and elsewhere.

From Washington Post

She came from Qamishli, a town in northeastern Syria, and was known for her relentless willingness to lead from the front, her swashbuckling manner, her chain-smoking ways and her wry sense of humor.

From Time

He was convicted of perjury, served 30 days, and went back to a swashbuckling career in contraband.

From The Daily Beast

Some viewers might even complain that there wasn't enough sex or swashbuckling in “Two Swords”—that the episode was “slow.”

From The Daily Beast

McClendon, a swashbuckling executive and fracking pioneer, was ultimately pushed out of his job.

From The Daily Beast

Jonathan Groff turns a hapless mountaineer who talks to his pet reindeer into a swashbuckling Prince Charming.

From The Daily Beast

The swashbuckling efforts of Bharara, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, have landed him on the cover of Time.

From The Daily Beast

What Nietzsche has done here is, in his swashbuckling fashion, to cut under the abstract and final pretensions of creeds.

From Project Gutenberg

A nameless, homeless adventurer; a swashbuckling bully, reeking of blood and leather, and fit to drive such a pack as Fortemani's.

From Project Gutenberg

Why, may I perish if it is not the same swashbuckling ruffler I once knew in London town!

From Project Gutenberg

The inflammatory speeches of Mr Saul Pedder had caused a swashbuckling spirit to spread among the rowdy element of the town.

From Project Gutenberg

His face was flushed, there was a jovial light in his eyes, the lips were parted in a swashbuckling smile.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• copying
• hijacking
• infringement
• plagiarism
• theft