swap

1 of 2

verb

ˈswäp 

swapped; swapping

transitive verb

1

a

: to give in trade : barter

b

: exchange sense 2

2

: to take turns in telling

swap stories

intransitive verb

: to make an exchange

swapper noun

swap

2 of 2

noun

: an act, instance, or process of exchanging one thing for another

Synonyms of swap

Verb

• exchange
• trade
• substitute
• change

Noun

• exchange

Examples of swap in a Sentence

Verb

He swapped his cupcake for a candy bar.

I swapped seats with my sister so she could see the stage better.

I liked her blue notebook and she liked my red one, so we swapped.

Noun

They made the swap in secret.

we made a swap: I'll do the dishes tonight and she'll do them for me tomorrow

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

An August 2024 commissioners court agenda initially included a proposition to swap out Veterans Day as an employee holiday instead, but the motion never made it to the court. — Rachel Royster july 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026

Rethink Your Mirror Moment Roberts also recommends swapping out builder-grade mirrors for statement mirrors that bring a sense of movement and visual interest. — Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 8 July 2026

Noun

One of the bright spots for Oklahoma City was rookie guard Bennett Stirtz, whom the Thunder selected with the 16th overall pick in the recent draft — after giving up two second-round picks and making a pick-swap with the Grizzlies to do so. — Latif Love, Kansas City Star, 5 July 2026

Kath bars would be the perfect sweet treat to bring to your next potluck or cookie swap—just be sure to share the recipe with anyone who asks. — Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English swappen to strike; from the practice of striking hands in closing a business deal

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

1625, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing swap

• swap meet
• swap stories

Rhymes for swap

• bop
• chop
• cop
• crop
• drop
• flop
• fop
• hop
• knop
• lop
• mop
• op

Kids Definition

swap

verb

ˈswäp

swapped; swapping

: to give in exchange : make an exchange : trade

swap noun

Legal Definition

swap

noun

ˈswäp

1

: an exchange of securities

2

: a derivative contract in which two parties (as corporations) agree to exchange rates especially relating to debt