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swan - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'swan' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Swan [ n.]
- Any one of numerous species of large aquatic birds belonging to Cygnus, Olor, and allied genera of the subfamily Cygninae. They have a large and strong beak and a long neck, and are noted for their graceful movements when swimming. Most of the northern species are white. In literature the swan was fabled to sing a melodious song, especially at the time of its death.
- Fig.: An appellation for a sweet singer, or a poet noted for grace and melody; as Shakespeare is called the swan of Avon.
- The constellation Cygnus.

Meaning of 'swan' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . swan [ v]
Meaning (1):
- sweep majestically
Example in sentence:
  • Airplanes were swanning over the mountains
Meaning (2):
- to declare or affirm solemnly and formally as true
Example in sentence:
  • Before God I swear I am innocent
Meaning (3):
- move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
Example in sentence:
  • roving vagabonds;
  • The cattle roam across the prairie;
  • The gypsies roamed the woods;
  • the laborers drift from one town to the next;
  • the wandering Jew;
  • They rolled from town to town

Nearby Words:

swa swab swabbed swabber swabbing swad swaddle swaddlebill swaddled swaddler

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