Meaning & use

Swish

verb·Everyday

Last updated

To move with a soft rustling or hissing sound, often through the air or liquid.

See it in a sentence

The horse's tail swished back and forth to chase away the flies.

She swished the mouthwash around before spitting it out.

A note on using this word

An onomatopoeic word that imitates the very sound it describes; in British slang, it can also mean stylish or fashionable.

Words with a similar meaning

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. adjective

Stylish, fashionable, or elegant, especially in a slightly showy way.

They celebrated the anniversary at a swish new restaurant downtown.

3. noun

A basketball shot that passes cleanly through the hoop without touching the rim.

He sank a perfect swish from beyond the three-point line.

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