swoop

1 of 2

verb

ˈswüp 

swooped; swooping; swoops

intransitive verb

: to move with a sweep

transitive verb

: to gain or carry off in or as if in a swoop

—usually used with up

swooper noun

swoop

2 of 2

noun

1

: an act or instance of swooping

2

: a single concentrated and quickly effective effort

was done in one swoop

—often used with fell

solved everything at one fell swoop

Examples of swoop in a Sentence

Verb

The police swooped in and captured the criminals.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Idaho Transportation Department says don’t expect big changes Those hoping that state officials can somehow swoop in to alleviate Idaho 55’s traffic problem will likely be disappointed. —Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 26 Sep. 2025

Summer can’t last forever, but thankfully, fall’s cozy vibes are swooping in to take its place. —Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2025

Noun

In terms of pure design, the monochromatic swoop of fabric (wool, cashmere, or some blend of the two) swathed around your neck, that coordinates perfectly with your outerwear, is a siren call to streamlined style lovers who like their minimalism with a little wink. —Kerry Pieri, Vogue, 23 Sep. 2025

Max Studio 3-Piece Luggage Set South Hampton Collection Upgrading your luggage in one fell swoop is made easy with this set. —Destinee Scott, Travel + Leisure, 22 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

alteration of Middle English swopen to sweep, from Old English swāpan — more at sweep

First Known Use

Verb

1566, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Noun

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing swoop

• in/at one fell swoop

Rhymes for swoop

• coop
• coupe
• croup
• droop
• drupe
• dupe
• group
• hoop
• loop
• lupe
• oop
• poop

Kids Definition

swoop

1 of 2 verb

ˈswüp 

: to dive or pounce suddenly like a hawk on its prey

swoop

2 of 2 noun

1

: an act or instance of swooping

2

: a single quickly effective effort

—often used with fell

solved everything at one fell swoop