Definition

The sound or movement made when something, like fabric or fur, moves quickly through the air.

Example

The swishing of her dress could be heard as she walked across the room.

Conversation

Did you hear that funny swishing sound when the wind blew through the trees?

Yeah, it was really soothing to listen to.

I love how nature makes those little sounds, like the swishing of leaves.

Absolutely! It always makes me feel relaxed.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To move or cause to move with a smooth, sweeping sound, often used to describe the sound made by something moving quickly through the air or water.

Example

The cat was swishing its tail back and forth as it watched the bird.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you see that dog swishing its tail in the park?

Yeah, it was so happy running around!

I loved how it kept swishing back and forth.

Root Explanation

Swishing is derived from the verb 'swish', which is of imitative origin, mimicking the sound made by something moving swiftly through the air or water. The suffix '-ing' indicates the action or process of the verb. Therefore, 'swishing' refers to the action of making a swishing sound or moving with a swift motion that produces such a sound.

Memory Tip

Imagine the sound of something moving quickly through the air, like a whip or a brush — that's the 'swish' you hear, and when you add '-ing', it describes the action of making that sound.

Visually Confused Words