Meaning & use
swingman
Last updated
Meanings
nouncountablesport
In basketball, a player who can play both the shooting guard and small forward positions.
Grammar: Countable: a swingman, two swingmen.
Patterns
- a swingman for a team
- play as a swingman
The team drafted a swingman who can guard both positions.
He is a natural swingman, comfortable on the wing or in the backcourt.
nouncountablesport
In baseball, a pitcher who is used both as a starter and as a relief pitcher.
Grammar: Countable: a swingman, two swingmen.
Patterns
- a swingman out of the bullpen
- use someone as a swingman
The manager used him as a swingman, starting some games and relieving in others.
A reliable swingman gives the bullpen flexibility.
Word forms
| plural | swingmen |
|---|
Common combinations
- versatile swingman
- They need a versatile swingman who can defend multiple positions.
- swingman role
- He embraced his swingman role, filling in wherever needed.
- start as a swingman
- She started as a swingman before moving to point guard.
Synonyms and how they differ
- utility player
- More general; used in many sports for someone who can play several positions, while swingman is specific to basketball or baseball.
Practice
In basketball, what does 'swingman' mean?
Choose one answer.
A swingman is known for being able to play two positions, typically shooting guard and small forward. The other options describe different roles or concepts.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “swingman”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.