First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1swift
adjective \ˈswift\
: happening or done quickly or immediately
: moving or able to move very fast
: smart or intelligent
Full Definition of SWIFT
1
: moving or capable of moving with great speed <a swift runner>
2
: occurring suddenly or within a very short time <a swift transition>
3
: quick to respond : ready
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Origin of SWIFT
Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old English swīfan to revolve — more at swivel
Related to SWIFT
Synonym Discussion of SWIFT
fast, rapid, swift, fleet, quick, speedy, hasty, expeditious mean moving, proceeding, or acting with celerity. fast and rapid are very close in meaning, but fast applies particularly to the thing that moves <fast horses> and rapid to the movement itself <rapid current>. swift suggests great rapidity coupled with ease of movement <returned the ball with one swift stroke>. fleet adds the implication of lightness and nimbleness <fleet runners>. quick suggests promptness and the taking of little time <a quick wit>. speedy implies quickness of successful accomplishment <speedy delivery of mail> and may also suggest unusual velocity. hasty suggests hurry and precipitousness and often connotes carelessness <a hasty inspection>. expeditious suggests efficiency together with rapidity of accomplishment <the expeditious handling of an order>.
2swift
adverb
3swift
noun
: a small bird that has long, narrow wings
Full Definition of SWIFT
1
: any of several lizards (especially of the genus Sceloporus) that run swiftly
2
: a reel for winding yarn or thread
3
: any of numerous small plainly colored birds (family Apodidae) that are related to the hummingbirds but superficially much resemble swallows
See swift defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SWIFT
15th century
Swift
biographical name \ˈswift\
Definition of SWIFT
Gustavus Franklin 1839–1903 Am. meatpacker
Swift
biographical name
Definition of SWIFT
Jonathan 1667–1745 Eng. (Irish-born) satirist
— Swift·ian \ˈswif-tē-ən\ adjective
SWIFT Defined for Kids
1swift
adjective \ˈswift\
swift·erswift·est
Definition of SWIFT for Kids
1
: moving or capable of moving with great speed <a swift river> <a swift runner>
2
: occurring suddenly <a swift kick> <a swift descent>
— swift·ly adverb
— swift·ness noun
2swift
adverb
Definition of SWIFT for Kids
: in a swift manner <I crossed a swift-flowing river.>
3swift
noun
Definition of SWIFT for Kids
: a small usually black bird that is related to the hummingbirds but looks like a swallow
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