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

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

Born in Pontycymer, she embodied the "Swinging Sixties", embracing it with flamboyance and unique style.

From BBC • Jan. 5, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2025

Swinging their hands and scuffling their feet, they came to the end of Cannery Row and turned up to the railroad track.

From "Cannery Row" by John Steinbeck

Related Words

• fluctuating