swashbuckling

adjective

swash·​buck·​ling ˈswäsh-ˌbə-k(ə-)liŋ 

ˈswȯsh-

1

: acting in the manner of a swashbuckler

2

: characteristic of, marked by, or done by swashbucklers

Examples of swashbuckling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But recently, a more swashbuckling caste had begun to infiltrate its stacks. —Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026

In particular, the Routledges’ research was no match for the narrative skills and indefatigable energy of the swashbuckling Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl. —Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026

Ings’ Lyonel plays the swashbuckling heir to Storm’s End, known to the smallfolk of Westeros as The Laughing Storm. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 18 Jan. 2026

Elwes protrays the film’s main character, who goes on a swashbuckling adventure to save the love of his life. —Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 30 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

swashbuckler

First Known Use

circa 1693, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for swashbuckling

• buckling
• chuckling
• duckling

Kids Definition

swashbuckling

adjective

swash·​buck·​ling ˈswäsh-ˌbək-(ə-)liŋ 

ˈswȯsh-

1

: acting in the manner of a swashbuckler

2

: characteristic of, marked by, or done by swashbucklers

swashbuckling adventure

a swashbuckling tale