swinging

American  

[swing-ing] / ˈswɪŋ ɪŋ /

adjective

superlative

swingingest

1. characterized by or capable of swinging, being swung, or causing to swing.

2. intended for swinging upon, by, from, or in.

   the swinging devices in a playground.

3. Slang. excellent; first-rate.

4. Slang. lively, active, and modern; hip.

5. Slang.

   1. free and uninhibited sexually.

      a swinging bachelor.

   2. exchanging spouses for sex.

      swinging married couples.

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noun

1. the activity or act of a person who swings.

2. Slang.

   1. the act or practice of being free and uninhibited sexually.

   2. the exchanging of spouses for sex.

swinging British  

/ ˈswɪŋɪŋ /

adjective

1. moving rhythmically to and fro

2. slang modern and lively

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noun

1. slang the practice of swapping sexual partners in a group, esp habitually

Other Word Forms

• swingingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of swinging

First recorded in 1550–60; swing ¹ + -ing ²

Example Sentences

“Lately, I think we’re swinging back in the direction of ‘the big, baggy monster’ idea of what a novel is,” Offill remarks.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2026

Oil prices have risen since the start of the US-Iran conflict on February 28, often swinging violently in response to the war's ever changing headlines.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

Inflation had fallen to 2% for the first time in decades and federal budget deficits were swinging toward a surplus.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

Artemis II carried its crew further from Earth than any humans have ever gone, swinging around the far side of the Moon in just over nine days.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

The sprawling lawn is covered in patches of wildflowers, hammocks swinging between leafy trees, and crowded shuffleboard courts.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller

Related Words

• fluctuating