swift

1 of 3

adjective

ˈswift 

1

: moving or capable of moving with great speed

a swift runner

2

: occurring suddenly or within a very short time

a swift transition

3

: quick to respond : ready

swift

2 of 3

adverb

: swiftly

swift-flowing

swift

3 of 3

noun

1

: any of several lizards (especially of the genus Sceloporus) that run swiftly

2

: a reel for winding yarn or thread

3

: any of numerous small plainly colored birds (family Apodidae) that are related to the hummingbirds but superficially much resemble swallows

Synonyms

Adjective

• rapid
• quick
• brisk
• fast

Adverb

• quick
• quickly
• fast
• rapidly
• swiftly
• soon

Choose the Right Synonym for swift

fast, rapid, swift, fleet, quick, speedy, hasty, expeditious mean moving, proceeding, or acting with celerity.

fast and rapid are very close in meaning, but fast applies particularly to the thing that moves

fast horses

and rapid to the movement itself.

rapid current

swift suggests great rapidity coupled with ease of movement.

returned the ball with one swift stroke

fleet adds the implication of lightness and nimbleness.

fleet runners

quick suggests promptness and the taking of little time.

a quick wit

speedy implies quickness of successful accomplishment

speedy delivery of mail

and may also suggest unusual velocity.

hasty suggests hurry and precipitousness and often connotes carelessness.

a hasty inspection

expeditious suggests efficiency together with rapidity of accomplishment.

the expeditious handling of an order

Examples of swift in a Sentence

Adjective

a swift and accurate response

the sleekest, swiftest boat ever to have sailed in the regatta

Adverb

tried to cross the swift-flowing river

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The swift police response and use of video surveillance technology proved crucial in identifying and apprehending the shooter. —Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025

Drones, a swift water team, cadaver dogs and GoPros punctured the peace in the tranquil and majestic mountains and triggered a closure of the Enchantments, an area popular for backcountry hiking and camping, as law enforcement scoured the forest for any signs of the bearded Army veteran. —Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2025

Adverb

That trip was referenced in the whistle-blower complaint that sparked the House’s swift-moving impeachment inquiry. —Jennifer Jacobs, Time, 17 Oct. 2019

As of Monday, Golden Police Chief Bill Kilpatrick and Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Schrader are restricting water activities on Clear Creek because of swift-moving water and floating debris. —Kirk Mitchell, The Denver Post, 1 July 2019

Noun

During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk. —Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025

Additionally, installing nest boxes for swifts or garden birds can offer extra nesting options, especially in urban or less-natural environments. —Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old English swīfan to revolve — more at swivel

First Known Use

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing swift

• chimney swift
• swift fox

Rhymes for swift

• clift
• drift
• gift
• lift
• miffed
• rift
• shift
• shrift
• sift
• sniffed
• thrift
• tift

Kids Definition

swift

1 of 3 adjective

ˈswift 

1

: moving or capable of moving with great speed

a swift runner

2

: occurring suddenly or within a very short time

a swift change in weather

swiftly adverb

swiftness

ˈswif(t)-nəs

noun

swift

2 of 3 adverb

: in a swift manner

swift

3 of 3 noun

: any of numerous small mostly dark birds that are related to the hummingbirds but resemble swallows

Biographical Definition

Swift 1 of 2

biographical name (1)

ˈswift 

Gustavus Franklin 1839–1903 American meatpacker

Swift

2 of 2

biographical name (2)

Jonathan 1667–1745 English (Irish-born) satirist

Swiftian

ˈswif-tē-ən 

adjective