n.
Function: noun
Date: 14th century
1 : an act or instance of swinging : swinging movement: as a (1) : a stroke or blow delivered with a sweeping arm movement <a batter with a powerful swing > (2) : a sweeping or rhythmic movement of the body or a bodily part (3) : a dance figure in which two dancers revolve with joined arms or hands (4) : jazz dancing in moderate tempo with a lilting syncopation b (1) : the regular movement of a freely suspended object (as a pendulum) along an arc and back (2) : back and forth sweep <the swing of the tides> c (1) : steady pulsing rhythm (as in poetry or music) (2) : a steady vigorous movement characterizing an activity or creative work d (1) : a trend toward a high or low point in a fluctuating cycle (as of business activity) (2) : an often periodic shift from one condition, form, position, or object of attention or favor to another
2 a : liberty of action b (1) : the driving power of something swung or hurled (2) : steady vigorous advance : driving speed <a train approaching at full swing >
3 : the progression of an activity, process, or phase of existence <the work is in full swing >
4 : the arc or range through which something swings
5 : something that swings freely from or on a support especially : a seat suspended by a rope or chains for swinging to and fro on for pleasure
6 a : a curving course or outline b : a course from and back to a point : a circular tour
7 : jazz that is played (as by a big band) with a steady beat and that uses the harmonic structures of popular songs and the blues as a basis for improvisations and arrangements
8 : a short pass in football thrown to a back running to the outside