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
First Known Use: before 12th century

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>.

Rhymes with SWIFT

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

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[1] 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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