swinging

American  

[swing-ing] / ˈswɪŋ ɪŋ /

adjective

swingingest superlative

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

swingings plural

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

Derived Forms

• swingingly
  adverb

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• swingings
  plural

Adjectives

• swingingest
  superlative

Etymology

Origin of swinging

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

Example Sentences

This counterintuitive ranking wasn’t because the period included the Swinging Sixties.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

Swinging from keychains, the Tamagotchi -- whose name is a portmanteau of the Japanese words for "egg" and "watch" -- has become a popular fashion accessory among young people in recent years, according to Bandai.

From Barron's • Jan. 7, 2026

He changed the face of music at home during these "Swinging Addis" years.

From BBC • Dec. 27, 2025

By the Swinging ’60s, Oberon tanned and grew her hair long but kept her identity secret.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2025

Swinging the sack from my shoulder, I walked over and set it down in a doorway.

From "Where the Red Fern Grows" by Wilson Rawls

Related Words

• fluctuating