swap

1 of 2

verb

swapped; swapping

transitive verb

1
a
: to give in trade : barter
2
: to take turns in telling
swap stories

intransitive verb

: to make an exchange
swapper noun

swap

2 of 2

noun

: an act, instance, or process of exchanging one thing for another

Examples of swap in a Sentence

Verb He swapped his cupcake for a candy bar. I swapped seats with my sister so she could see the stage better. I liked her blue notebook and she liked my red one, so we swapped. Noun They made the swap in secret. we made a swap: I'll do the dishes tonight and she'll do them for me tomorrow
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Here are a few popular rich holiday foods and some healthier alternatives to try instead: Sugary desserts like pies, cakes, and cookies: Try swapping these for fruit salad, a yogurt parfait with low-sugar granola and chopped fresh fruit, or desserts made with a no-calorie sweetener. Johna Burdeos, Health, 17 Dec. 2024 The confection was adorned with fresh white florals and the couple's initials in gold. 09 of 13 Ready to Party Later into the evening, Davis and Brown did a quick change, swapping their formal attire for more relaxed looks — all the better to dance in! Erin Clack, People.com, 16 Dec. 2024
Noun
But after Christmas, when the calendar turns, the big boys in the NFL swap the Cinderella slippers for MMA gloves. Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 18 Dec. 2024 The biggest was a 2017 swap that saw Jose Quintana go from the White Sox to the Cubs four a four-player package that included Dylan Cease and Eloy Jimenez. Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for swap 

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English swappen to strike; from the practice of striking hands in closing a business deal

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

1625, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of swap was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near swap

Cite this Entry

“Swap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swap. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

swap

verb
ˈswäp
swapped; swapping
: to give in exchange : make an exchange : trade
swap noun

Legal Definition

swap

noun
ˈswäp
1
: an exchange of securities
2
: a derivative contract in which two parties (as corporations) agree to exchange rates especially relating to debt

More from Merriam-Webster on swap

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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