WordGarden.ioswish
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /swˈɪʃ/
US
- /ˈswɪʃ/
Meanings
Verb
to move or sweep with a soft hissing or rustling sound
to make a basketball shot that goes cleanly through the hoop
Noun
a basketball shot that goes cleanly through the hoop without touching the rim
a soft hissing or rustling sound made by swift movement
an effeminate gay man or a man perceived that way, used as an insult
Adjective
fashionably stylish or smart in appearance
Beyond the definition
Think of the satisfying swish when a basketball drops cleanly through the net without touching the rim. That is probably the word's most famous modern use. However, "swish" is mainly an onomatopoeic word, meaning it sounds like the noise it describes. It can refer to any soft, smooth rushing sound or movement, like a silk skirt brushing against someone's legs or heavy curtains being pulled shut. In British English, "swish" is also often used as an adjective to describe something stylish, expensive-looking, or fashionable.
"Swish" is a wonderfully evocative word where the sound perfectly imitates the action. Originally used to describe the sound of something moving rapidly through the air—like the whistle of a whip or the rustle of long grass—it has evolved to represent both a specific sound and a graceful, effortless style of movement.
In the world of sports, "swish" is iconic. It describes the perfect basketball shot that goes cleanly through the net, creating that crisp, signature sound. But the word's reach extends into everyday life and literature. You might hear the swishing of a cat's tail when it is annoyed, or the swish of a conductor's baton cutting through the air. It implies a sense of fluidity and flair; when someone "swishes" into a room, they are not just walking, they are making an entrance with style.
Furthermore, "swish" serves as a popular informal adjective, particularly in the UK. If someone tells you your new car or outfit is "very swish," they are complimenting its elegance and sophistication. Whether you are describing the literal sound of fabric, a flawless athletic feat, or a luxurious environment, "swish" adds a layer of sensory texture to your English. It's a versatile term that bridges the gap between the physical sound of motion and the abstract feeling of class.
Examples
- 1
Clothing
Her silk dress swished as she walked across the room.
- 2
Water movement
Water swished around our boots as we crossed the flooded path.
- 3
Curtains
He swished the curtains open and let the morning light in.
- 4
Basketball shot
The ball dropped through the net with a satisfying swish.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
British style
Their new office is very swish.
- Usageswish
stylish and expensive-looking; mainly British English
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- swishnounverbadjective
Forms
- swishing-ing formverbnounadjective
- swishedpast tenseverbnounadjective
- swishespluralnounverbadjective