Swan - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A swan is a large, graceful waterbird with a long neck, often white in color. It symbolizes elegance and beauty and is commonly found in lakes and rivers.
Definition:
A large waterbird with a long neck, typically white and known for its graceful movements.
Synonyms:
cygnet, waterfowl, bird
Part of Speech:
noun, verb
Antonyms:
ugly duckling (in metaphorical context), crow (as a contrasting bird)
Common Collocations:
graceful swan, swan lake, black swan, swan song, mute swan
Derivatives:
swanlike, swanner
Usage Tips:
Use "swan" as a noun for the bird or as a verb to describe moving gracefully ("she swanned into the room").
Common Phrases:
swan song, black swan event, ugly duckling turns into a swan
Etymology:
From Old English "swan," related to German "Schwan," ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *swen- ("to sound, sing").
Examples:
- 1. The swan glided across the lake effortlessly.
- 2. She wore a white dress that made her look like a swan.
- 3. The children fed breadcrumbs to the hungry swans.
- 4. His final performance was his swan song as an actor.