WordGarden.ioswipe
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /swˈaɪp/
US
- /ˈswaɪp/
Meanings
Verb
to move a finger across a touchscreen or move a card through a reader to control or authorize something
to steal something quickly or without permission
to move a hand, cloth, or other object quickly across something in one broad motion
Noun
a touch or movement across a screen or through a card reader
a quick swinging blow or attempt to hit something
a sharp attack or criticism
Beyond the definition
You probably swipe your phone screen many times a day, moving your finger across it to scroll through photos, close apps, or move to the next page. But "swipe" is not only about technology. It can also mean to move a card through a machine, as when you swipe a credit card or ID badge. In other situations, it can mean to take something quickly, often without permission, or to brush something aside in a quick, casual way. The idea behind the word is usually a fast movement across a surface or a quick action.
The word "swipe" is used in several everyday ways, but the main idea is usually quick movement. Most often, it means to move your finger, hand, or an object across a surface in one smooth motion.
In modern life, people often swipe on a touchscreen. You can swipe to scroll, change photos, answer or remove notifications, or choose between options in an app. This is one of the most common uses today. The word also applies to cards: you might swipe a credit card to pay, or swipe a keycard to enter a building.
Another common meaning is to take something quickly, often secretly or dishonestly. For example, someone might swipe a cookie from the kitchen or swipe money from a desk. "Swipe" can also mean a quick hit or a quick critical remark. If someone takes a swipe at another person, they may be hitting them or making a sharp comment about them.
So, whether you are using your phone, paying in a store, taking something without asking, or making a quick attack with words or with your hand, "swipe" suggests speed and a single quick motion or action.
Examples
- 1
Touchscreen
Just swipe your finger across the screen to answer the call.
- 2
Card reader
She swiped her card and went through the gate.
- Patternswipe a card
pass it through or over a machine
- 3
Cleaning
He swiped the crumbs off the table with his hand.
- 4
Informal theft
Someone swiped my bike while I was inside the shop.
- Usageswipe
steal, in informal English
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Quick attack
The cat swiped at my hand when I reached for the toy.
- Patternswipe at + person/thing
hit or try to hit with a quick movement
- 6
Public criticism
The senator took a swipe at the mayor during the debate.
- Phrasetake a swipe at someone
criticize them
- 7
Browsing photos
On the app, you can swipe through photos before you decide.
- Patternswipe through + items
move quickly from one item to the next
- 8
Dating app
She swiped left on dozens of profiles before she found one she liked.
- Phraseswipe left
reject someone on a dating app
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- swipenounverb
Forms
- swiping-ing formverbnoun
- swipedpast tenseverbnoun
- swipespluralnounverb