swing shift

American  

noun

1. a work shift in industry from midafternoon until midnight.

2. the group of workers on such a shift.

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swing shift British  

noun

1. a group of workers who work a shift from late afternoon to midnight in an industry or occupation where a day shift or a night shift is also worked

2. the period worked

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Other Word Forms

• swing shifter noun

Etymology

Origin of swing shift

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

The swing shift is about to start at a plant that is about to close.

From Los Angeles Times

Will a college graduate decide to work the swing shift, so she can see her husband for a few more hours a day?

From Los Angeles Times

The Dodgers wasted no time punching in for their swing shift, Betts opening the game with a double off the right-center field wall.

From Los Angeles Times

He chose the swing shift so that his wife could use the couple’s car for her day shift.

From Washington Post

Folk said that at the downtown jail, yesterday's "swing shift" was the first time in three months that an employee was not mandated to work overtime, and was compromised of only volunteers.

From Fox News