Swan
/swɑːn/
nounverbA2
Definition
A swan is a big bird that lives near lakes or rivers. It has a long neck and beautiful white feathers, and it swims smoothly on water. When used as a verb, "to swan" means to walk or move in a way that shows you are relaxed and confident, sometimes in a way that looks like you are showing off.
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See It in Action
A large water bird with a long neck and white feathers
- •The swan swam gracefully across the pond.
- •Swans often live near lakes and rivers.
- •We saw a family of swans with their babies near the park.
To move around in a relaxed and confident way, sometimes showing off
- •He swanned into the room like he owned the place.
- •She swanned around the city all day, enjoying the sunshine.
- •They swanned through the party without a care.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "swan" like "bird," but a very large, elegant bird that looks calm and smooth on water.
- ✓Picture a white bird with a long neck floating quietly and beautifully on a lake.
- ✓It's the feeling when you walk slowly and proudly, like you own the place.
- ✓Sounds like "swan" → imagine a swan gliding softly on a calm lake, very smooth and peaceful.
- ✓In stories or movies, swans often symbolize beauty and calmness.
- ✓NOT like "duck" (smaller, less graceful), a swan looks more elegant and moves more smoothly.
- ✓As a verb, NOT like "rush" or "run," "swan" means moving slowly and confidently, sometimes showing off.
- ✓NOT like "walk" (normal movement), "swan" means moving with style and ease.
Try Other Words
- •Glide: to move smoothly and quietly (Use when focusing on the smooth movement, especially on water)
- •Strut: to walk proudly and confidently (Use when emphasizing showing off or pride in movement)
- •Stroll: to walk slowly and calmly (Use when the relaxed movement is the main idea without showing off)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "swan" is a simple root word with no prefix or suffix
- •Etymology: From Old English "swan," related to similar words in Germanic languages meaning the same bird
- •Historical development: The word has been used in English for many centuries to name the large water bird
- •Modern usage: Still used to name the bird and also as a verb meaning to move around in a relaxed, confident way
Reflect & Connect
•Why do you think people use the word "swan" to describe a relaxed and confident way of moving?
•Can you think of a time when you or someone you know "swanned" somewhere? What was the situation?
Fill in the blanks
1.The swan ___ smoothly across the lake, making no sound as it moved.
2.When she entered the room, she swanned ___ like she was very important.
3.Swans are different from ducks because swans have a ___ neck and look more elegant.
4.He swanned through the party, not caring about ___ others thought of him.
5.The children watched the swan ___ quietly near the water's edge.
6.To swan around means to move in a way that shows you feel ___ and relaxed.
7.Unlike running or rushing, to swan means to move ___ and confidently.