swashbuckling

adjective

swash·​buck·​ling ˈswäsh-ˌbə-k(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce swashbuckling (audio)
ˈswȯsh-
Synonyms of swashbucklingnext
1
: acting in the manner of a swashbuckler
2
: characteristic of, marked by, or done by swashbucklers

Examples of swashbuckling in a Sentence

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.
The swashbuckling, old-school crime reporter doesn't believe in computers. — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026 Here’s a swashbuckling Zen space opera of irresistible vastness — a world large enough to colonize your imagination. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 19 May 2026 While some guests did wear full-out costumes (especially the kids), my friends and I used accessories like this set to get into the swashbuckling spirit. — Rebecca Shinners, Travel + Leisure, 11 May 2026 The United States’ swashbuckling intensity is usually a recipe for defeat in the World Cup knockout rounds, when the winner is more often the team that holds its defensive nerve. — Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for swashbuckling

Word History

Etymology

swashbuckler

First Known Use

circa 1693, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of swashbuckling was circa 1693

Rhymes for swashbuckling

See All Rhymes for swashbuckling

Browse Nearby Words

swashbucklering
swashbuckling
swash bulkhead
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Swashbuckling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swashbuckling. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

swashbuckling

adjective
swash·​buck·​ling ˈswäsh-ˌbək-(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce swashbuckling (audio)
ˈswȯsh-
1
: acting in the manner of a swashbuckler
2
: characteristic of, marked by, or done by swashbucklers
swashbuckling adventure
a swashbuckling tale

More from Merriam-Webster on swashbuckling

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for swashbuckling

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