First Known Use: 1708
Dictionary
1swank
intransitive verb
: to behave in a way that is intended to impress people
Full Definition of SWANK
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Origin of SWANK
perhaps akin to Middle High German swanken to sway; akin to Middle Dutch swanc supple
2swank
adjective \ˈswaŋk\
Definition of SWANK
Scottish : full of life or energy : active
Origin of SWANK
Middle Low German or Middle Dutch swanc supple; akin to Old High German swingan to swing
First Known Use: 1773
3swank
adjective \ˈswaŋ-kē\
swank·er or swank·i·erswank·i·est
Definition of SWANK
1
: characterized by showy display : ostentatious <a swank limousine>
2
: fashionably elegant : smart <a swank restaurant>
— swank·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adverb
— swank·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ noun
Variants of SWANK
swank or swanky \ˈswaŋ-kē\
First Known Use of SWANK
circa 1842
4swank
noun
Definition of SWANK
1
: arrogance or ostentation of dress or manner : pretentiousness, swagger
2
First Known Use of SWANK
circa 1854
Related to SWANK
- Synonyms
- flamboyance, flash, flashiness, garishness, gaudiness, glitz, ostentatiousness, pretentiousness, showiness, ostentation
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