swank

1 of 4

verb

swanked; swanking; swanks
Synonyms of swanknext

swank

2 of 4

adjective (1)

Scotland
: full of life or energy : active

swank

3 of 4

adjective (2)

variants or swanky
swanker or swankier; swankiest
1
: characterized by showy display : ostentatious
a swank limousine
2
: fashionably elegant : smart
a swank restaurant
swankily adverb
swankiness noun

swank

4 of 4

noun

1
: arrogance or ostentation of dress or manner : pretentiousness, swagger
2

Examples of swank in a Sentence

Verb rich people swanking around in their expensive cars Adjective (2) drove up in a red sports car, the swank interior of which was decorated in silver and black Noun service that is the essence of swank: the waiters pull out your chair for you and even place your napkin on your lap
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.
Verb
What the Voice of the People is saying is: ‘Look at that frightful ass Spode swanking about in footer bags. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025 This Bible swanks a custom embossing of the inauguration date, and like other Bibles in the collection, it is written in the King James translation and includes historic American documents, like the text of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
While the properties have been zoned for use as supportive housing for years, they are surrounded by swank condominiums that have sold for as much as $7 million. Gavin J. Quinton, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2026 The hotel added a swank drinking spot, the Redwood Room, in 1933; true to its name, the interior was reportedly fashioned from a single redwood tree. Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2025
Noun
Known for its residential swank defined by Art Deco-meets-Art Nouveau touches and façades, the neighborhood is dominated by well-to-do locals, out-of-town visitors, and an endless stream of runners and dog walkers. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Jan. 2026 To further set the scene for the night, we were welcomed into a swank, jazz club-esque venue called The Sun Rose Room located in Hollywood’s Sun Rose Hotel. Essence, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for swank

Word History

Etymology

Verb

perhaps akin to Middle High German swanken to sway; akin to Middle Dutch swanc supple

Adjective (1)

Middle Low German or Middle Dutch swanc supple; akin to Old High German swingan to swing

First Known Use

Verb

1708, in the meaning defined above

Adjective (1)

1773, in the meaning defined above

Adjective (2)

circa 1842, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

circa 1854, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of swank was in 1708

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Swank.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swank. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

swank

1 of 3 verb
ˈswaŋk

swank

2 of 3 noun
1
: showy display or pride in dress or manners
2

swank

3 of 3 adjective
variants or swanky
swanker or swankier; swankest
1
: marked by showy display : ostentatious
a swank limousine
2
: fashionably elegant
a swank restaurant
swankily adverb
swankiness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on swank

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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