swashbuckling

1 of 2

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

swashbuckling

2 of 2

present participle of swashbuckle

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.
Adjective
The spoof of early Hollywood’s swashbuckling action-adventure movies is one of the comedy titan’s most quotable films, thanks in large part to the timing of the cast. — Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026 Also in June, it was revealed that Jackman and Scott were teaming up to adapt Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic swashbuckling tale for the big screen. — Jack Dunn, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026 The swashbuckling 25-year-old is all but a lock to win the American League Cy Young Award. — Ryan Canfield Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026 The capable Christopher Gattelli directs and choreographs a cast that includes Ruthie Ann Miles, Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer and Zane Phillips, making his Broadway debut as the swashbuckling narrator, El Gallo. — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for swashbuckling

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

swashbuckler

First Known Use

Adjective

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 1 Nov. 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

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