swing state

American  

[swing stayt] / ˈswɪŋ ˌsteɪt /

noun

U.S. Politics.

1. a state of the U.S. in which the Democratic and Republican candidates both have a good chance of winning and that is considered key to the outcome of a presidential election.

   the swing states of Ohio and Indiana.

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Etymology

Origin of swing state

First recorded in 1950–55

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

swing state

“I’ve seen her on TV!” exclaimed one child upon seeing Cooke, reflecting what it’s like to grow up in a swing state.

From Salon ● Oct. 13, 2026

A general-election victory for Mr. El-Sayed in an important swing state would put wind in the sails of the mobilizers as Democrats turn toward 2028.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 1, 2026

But Ossoff, who’s running for reelection in a swing state that Trump won twice, is a deliberate and relentlessly on-message communicator—sometimes to the point of looking and sounding a little scripted.

From Slate ● Aug. 21, 2026

While both Michigan senators are currently Democrats, it is seen as a swing state.

From Barron's ● Aug. 5, 2026

The Ukrainian leader visited a munitions factory in the critical swing state of Pennsylvania last September and met Trump's rival, Kamala Harris, at the White House.

From BBC ● Mar. 1, 2025

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