swinging
Noun · AdjectiveOpen English WordNet
Noun (1)
- changing location by moving back and forthSynonyms: swingvacillationType of motion, movement
Adjective (1)
- characterized by a buoyant rhythm“an easy lilting stride”“the flute broke into a light lilting air”“a swinging pace”“a graceful swingy walk”“a tripping singing measure”Synonyms: liltingswingytrippingOpposite unrhythmicSimilar rhythmical, rhythmic
What does it mean? Question 1 of today’s quiz
Webster's Dictionary (1913)
“swinging” is listed under Swing.
Origin: OE. swingen, AS. swingan to scourge, to fly, to flutter; akin to G. schwingen to winnow, to swingle, oscillate, sich schwingen to leap, to soar, OHG. swingan to throw, to scourge, to soar, Sw. svinga to swing, to whirl, Dan. svinge. Cf. Swagger, Sway, Swinge, Swink.
1. To move to and fro, as a body suspended in the air; to wave; to vibrate; to oscillate.
I tried if a pendulum would swing faster, or continue swinging longer, in case of exsuction of the air.— Robert Boyle
2. To sway or move from one side or direction to another; as, the door swung open.
3. To use a swing; as, a boy swings for exercise or pleasure. See Swing, noun, 3.
4. Nautical To turn round by action of wind or tide when at anchor; as, a ship swings with the tide.
5. To be hanged. colloquial Daniel Webster
To swing round the circle, to make a complete circuit. colloquial
He had swung round the circle of theories and systems in which his age abounded, without finding relief.— Alexander Viets Griswold Allen
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54