swank

¹ American  

[swangk] / swæŋk /

noun

1. dashing smartness, as in dress or appearance; style.

2. a swagger.

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adjective

swanker, swankest

1. stylish or elegant.

2. pretentiously stylish.

verb (used without object)

1. to swagger in behavior; show off.

swank ² American  

[swangk] / swæŋk /

verb

1. a simple past tense of swink.

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swank British  

/ swæŋk /

verb

1. (intr) to show off or swagger

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noun

1. Also called: swankpot.  a swaggering or conceited person

2. elegance or style, esp of a showy kind

3. swagger; ostentation

adjective

1. another word (esp US) for swanky

Etymology

Origin of swank

1800–10; compare Scots swank lively, perhaps ultimately representing back formation from Old English swancor lithe; akin to Middle Dutch swanc supple, Middle High German swanken to sway

Example Sentences

Mr. Mulla subtly guides us to a sympathetic view of these rarified figures, in their swank and privileged world, caught out of time and defeated by vast historical forces.

From The Wall Street Journal

She was joined in the top 10 by another U.K. singer, Raye, who favors swank Sixties outfits and has a brassy hit called “Where Is My Husband!”

From The Wall Street Journal

While the properties have been zoned for use as supportive housing for years, they are surrounded by swank condominiums that have sold for as much as $7 million.

From Los Angeles Times

The 1880s Artillery Officer Quarters, for example, have been restored and brilliantly whitewashed as the swank Capella Hotel.

From The Wall Street Journal

History, here, ultimately overwhelms the new staging in a swank contemporary environment.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• chic
• genteel
• mod
• posh
• stylish
• swanky
• trendy
• upscale