What does swing mean?
Swing describes a movement that turns or travels through an arc, often with a smooth, sweeping, or back-and-forth motion. A door swings on its hinges, a pendulum swings from side to side, and a golfer may swing a club to send a ball forward. The verb can also mean to change course or, especially in political language, to influence someone from one position to another. As a noun, a swing may be the movement itself, a forceful blow, a change in direction or opinion, or a lively rhythm associated with jazz. The word is especially useful because it combines a precise physical idea—motion through an arc—with figurative meanings involving change, influence, momentum, and emotional or political movement. Its many established expressions, including “swing by,” “swing into action,” and “swing a vote,” make it a familiar part of everyday English.
To move or turn through an arc; to change direction or course; to influence or alter an opinion, vote, or course of action.
"The debate swung in favor of the smaller party."
“Swing” is transitive when it means to influence or alter something, as in “swing a vote,” and intransitive when it describes movement or a change of direction.
An act or movement through an arc; a forceful blow or attempt to strike; a change in direction, opinion, or political allegiance; a lively musical rhythm or dance.
"The batter took a wild swing at the pitch."
In politics, “a swing” commonly means a voter or group of voters moving from one party to another, or a change in the balance of support.
Able to be changed or influenced, especially with regard to political allegiance or support.
"The candidate appealed to swing voters in the state."
This use is especially common in political and electoral contexts.
The plural is used for individual movements, blows, changes of direction, musical rhythms, and playground devices, among other meanings.
"Several swings in the batter's stance helped him make contact."
One word can carry a doorway, a decisive baseball hit, a change in political allegiance, and the rhythmic pulse of jazz.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does swing come from?
The word comes through Middle English from Old English swingan, a Germanic verb meaning to move or strike with force. Related forms appear in other Germanic languages, including Dutch zwaaien and German schwingen. In modern English, the word's physical sense developed alongside figurative uses for forceful movement, changing direction, and influencing opinion.
Related word forms
How swing is actually used
The word is common in both formal and informal English. In political contexts, “swing” often refers to changing allegiance or persuading voters whose support is uncertain. The musical sense is especially associated with jazz and popular music.
Easily confused with swing
A swing is a broad movement through an arc, whereas a swivel is a rotation on a fixed axis or central point.