swish

UK: swɪʃ | US: swɪʃ

Definition

  1. n. a soft, sweeping or rustling sound

  2. vt. to move with or make a swishing sound

  3. adj. (informal) stylish or impressive

Structure
sw <sound/action>ish <suffix indicating sound or action>
Etymology

The word "swish" is an onomatopoeic term, imitating the sound of something moving quickly through the air (e.g., a whip, a broom, or a basketball net). The "sw-" suggests a sweeping or swift motion, while the "-ish" suffix reinforces the sound or action. It emerged in English around the 18th century, originally describing the sound of a whip or light fabric. Over time, it gained figurative meanings, such as something stylish (adj.) or the act of making such a sound (v.).

Examples

  1. The broom made a gentle swish as she swept the floor.

  2. He swished the basketball through the net effortlessly.

  3. Her swish dress turned heads at the party.

  4. The curtains swished open with a flick of the remote.

  5. The arrow swished past my ear, barely missing me.