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

The persuaders’ flag is being carried by Gov. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, the largest and most important swing state.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 1, 2026

"They know Rome wasn't built in a day," Vance said in the key, blue-collar swing state of Pennsylvania on Tuesday.

From Barron's ● Dec. 17, 2025

Pennsylvania’s status as the preeminent swing state is also why election watchers around the country had been eagerly anticipating Tuesday’s result—looking to it as a bellwether for bigger contests to follow.

From Slate ● Nov. 4, 2025

It was the second swing state to be called and another big stepping stone on Trump's planned route to White House via the southern swing states.

From BBC ● Nov. 6, 2024

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