Definition of swan
swans
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 capitalized : the constellation Cygnus
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Illustration of swan
Origin and Etymology of swan
Middle English, from Old English; akin to Middle High German swan and perhaps to Latin sonus sound — more at sound
swan
Definition of swan
swanned
;swanning
intransitive verb
: to wander aimlessly or idly : dally
First Known Use of swan
1942
Origin and Etymology of swan
perhaps euphemism for swear
SWAN Defined for English Language Learners
swan
playDefinition of swan for English Language Learners
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: a large usually white bird that lives on or near water and that has a very long and graceful neck
SWAN Defined for Kids
swan
playDefinition of swan for Students
: a usually white waterbird that has a long neck and large body and is related to but larger than the goose
Learn More about swan
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See words that rhyme with swan Spanish Central: Translation of swan Nglish: Translation of swan for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of swan for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about swan
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