swashbuckling

adjective

swash·​buck·​ling ˈswäsh-ˌbə-k(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce swashbuckling (audio)
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
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.
First seen in New York in 1879, this wacky yarn of swashbuckling pirates, Monty Pythonesque coppers and the comely daughters of a naval major general taught a young Broadway how to structure a musical comedy. Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 24 Apr. 2025 As swashbuckling as probable champion Barcelona has been, a few names from the pack below the elite bracket have impressed, too. Henry Flynn, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 The 22-year-old is capable of swashbuckling runs that carry him — and the ball — half the length of the pitch. Paul Taylor, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2025 In addition to reprising her star-making role in the swashbuckling sequel The Legend of Zorro (2005), Zeta-Jones reunited with Soderbergh for the caper Ocean’s Twelve (2004) and the twisted thriller Side Effects (2013), alongside Jude Law, Rooney Mara, and Channing Tatum. Will Harris, EW.com, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for swashbuckling

Word History

Etymology

swashbuckler

First Known Use

circa 1693, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of swashbuckling was circa 1693

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Cite this Entry

“Swashbuckling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swashbuckling. Accessed 12 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

swashbuckling

adjective
swash·​buck·​ling ˈswäsh-ˌbək-(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce swashbuckling (audio)
ˈswȯsh-
1
: acting in the manner of a swashbuckler
2
: characteristic of, marked by, or done by swashbucklers
swashbuckling adventure
a swashbuckling tale

More from Merriam-Webster on swashbuckling

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