swashbuckler
Americannoun
noun
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a swaggering or flamboyant adventurer
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a film, book, play, etc, depicting excitement and adventure, esp in a historical setting
Etymology
Origin of swashbuckler
Explanation
Use the noun swashbuckler for a romantic daredevil, especially one you read about in a book or watch onscreen in a movie. Though the word preceded him by about 400 years, swashbuckler may as well have been retired with Errol Flynn, the Australian actor who was well known in the 1930's and 40's for playing a variety of roles as a swashbuckler. The word, from English components, literally means "one who makes a noise by striking his own or his opponent's shield with his sword." In the 1540's, a swashbuckler was more popularly known as a "swash."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
That swashbuckler perfectly executes each of the above genres — and fantasy, too.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 15, 2025
It was perhaps an odd choice for a high-fantasy swashbuckler set in ancient Persia.
From New York Times ● Jan. 17, 2024
He had a bit of swashbuckler in him, more like an astronaut than a desk engineer.
From Seattle Times ● Dec. 17, 2023
Trump created an interesting persona who embodied both an unconventional politician and an unpredictable swashbuckler.
From Salon ● Dec. 23, 2022
“There, by the left, you look a regular little swashbuckler now,” chuckled the kindly hare.
From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
