swan

1 of 3

noun

plural swans
Synonyms of swannext
1
plural also swan : any of various large heavy-bodied long-necked mostly pure white aquatic birds (family Anatidae, especially genus Cygnus) that have webbed feet and are related to but larger than the geese
2
: one that resembles or is likened to a swan
3
Swan : the constellation Cygnus

Illustration of swan

Illustration of swan
  • swan 1

swan

2 of 3

verb (1)

swanned; swanning

intransitive verb

: to wander aimlessly or idly : dally

swan

3 of 3

verb (2)

swanned; swanning

Examples of swan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
In a statement, Mayor Buddy Dyer said the decision was made for the well-being of the swans. Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 May 2026 Food and drink Dining options are extensive, from breakfast at Swan Court—set among waterfalls with resident swans—and caffeinated beverages at Honolulu Coffee to sushi at Japengo and fine dining at Son’z Steakhouse. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2026
Verb
Glamorous as ever at 92, Joan Collins swans onto the Cannes red carpet in ruffles and diamonds for the Electric Kiss premiere. Alex Apatoff, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026 They're led by a glamorous male mad scientist, Dr. Frank-N-Furter, who swans about in a glittering corset and heels. Neda Ulaby, NPR, 27 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for swan

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Middle High German swan and perhaps to Latin sonus sound — more at sound entry 1

Verb (2)

perhaps euphemism for swear

First Known Use

Noun

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

Verb (1)

1942, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

1784, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of swan was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Swan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swan. Accessed 17 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

swan

noun
ˈswän
plural swans also swan
: any of various large heavy-bodied long-necked usually pure white water birds with webbed feet that are related to but larger than the geese

Geographical Definition

Swan

geographical name

variants or in its upper course Avon
river about 240 miles (386 kilometers) long in southwestern Western Australia flowing west into the Indian Ocean

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