swap

1 of 2

verb

swapped; swapping
Synonyms of swapnext

transitive verb

1
a
: to give in trade : barter
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

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
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
Sometimes, the solution is as simple as swapping in a new set of bed sheets. Ali Faccenda, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026 The original engine was swapped out for a Chevrolet small-block V-8 connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 20 Jan. 2026
Noun
Inspired by traditional beef stroganoff, this streamlined version swaps in quick-cooking, thin-cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a faster, lighter weeknight dinner that still tastes rich and deeply satisfying. Hana Asbrink, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026 To the Moore administration, the goal of the swap is to better address continued high electric bills for Maryland consumers. Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for swap

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of swap was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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

More from Merriam-Webster on swap

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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