Dictionary

1swan

noun \ˈswän\

: a large usually white bird that lives on or near water and that has a very long and graceful neck

plural swans

Full Definition of SWAN

1
plural also swan :  any of various large heavy-bodied long-necked mostly pure white aquatic birds (family Anatidae, especially genus Cygnus) that have webbed feet and are related to but larger than the geese
2
:  one that resembles or is likened to a swan
3
capitalized :  the constellation Cygnus
ADVERTISEMENT

Illustration of SWAN

Origin of SWAN

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Middle High German swan and perhaps to Latin sonus sound — more at sound
First Known Use: before 12th century

Rhymes with SWAN

2swan

intransitive verb
swannedswan·ning

Definition of SWAN

:  to wander aimlessly or idly :  dally

First Known Use of SWAN

1942

3swan

intransitive verb
swannedswan·ning

Definition of SWAN

dial
:  declare, swear

Origin of SWAN

perhaps euphemism for swear
First Known Use: 1784

Swan

geographical name \ˈswän\

Definition of SWAN

river ab 240 miles (386 kilometers) SW Western Australia flowing W into Indian Ocean

Variants of SWAN

Swan or in its upper course Av·on \ˈa-vən\
SWAN Defined for Kids

swan

noun \ˈswän\

Definition of SWAN for Kids

:  a usually white waterbird that has a long neck and large body and is related to but larger than the goose
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears