swan
Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary
Contents |
[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
From Old English swan, from a Proto-Germanic root *swanaz (thus cognate with Old Saxon swan, Old Norse svanr, Dutch zwaan, German Schwan), probably literally "the singing bird," from a Proto-Indo-European base *swon-/*swen- "to sing, make sound" (thus related to Old English geswin "melody, song" and swinsian "to make melody")
[edit] Pronunciation
[edit] Noun
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Singular |
Plural |
swan (plural swans)
- (plural also 'swan') Any of various species of large, long-necked waterfowl, of genus Cygnus, most of which have white plumage.
- (figuratively) One whose grace etc. suggests a swan.
[edit] Derived terms
- swan species: black swan, black-necked swan, mute swan, trumpeter swan, tundra swan, whooper swan
- swan boat
- swan dive
- swanherd
- swannery
- swansdown
- swanskin
- swan song
[edit] Translations
[edit] See also
- cob (adult male)
- cygnet (young)
- lamentation
- pen (female)
[edit] Verb
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Infinitive |
Third person singular |
Simple past |
Past participle |
Present participle |
to swan (third-person singular simple present swans, present participle swanning, simple past and past participle swanned)
- (British) (intransitive) To travel from place to place with no fixed itinerary or purpose.
- To swear, declare
[edit] Usage notes
- Usually as part of the phrase "to swan about".
[edit] Anagrams
[edit] Old English
[edit] Etymology 1
Common Germanic *swanaz, whence also Old High German swan, Old Norse svanr
[edit] Noun
swan m.
[edit] Etymology 2
Common Germanic *swainiz, whence also Old High German swein, Old Norse sveinn
[edit] Noun
swān m.
[edit] West Frisian
[edit] Noun
swan c.
