swap
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to exchange, barter, or trade, as one thing for another.
He swapped his wrist watch for the radio.
-
to substitute (one thing) for another (sometimes followed byin ).
Swap in red wine for white, since powerful nutrients are in the red grape's skin.
-
to replace (one thing) with another (sometimes followed byout ).
To cut down on fat, swap cream for milk.
verb (used without object)
noun
verb
noun
-
an exchange
-
something that is exchanged
-
Also called: swap option. swaption. finance a contract in which the parties to it exchange liabilities on outstanding debts, often exchanging fixed interest-rate for floating-rate debts ( debt swap ), either as a means of managing debt or in trading ( swap trading )
Other Word Forms
- swapper noun
- unswapped adjective
Etymology
Origin of swap
First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English swappen “to strike, strike hands (in bargaining)”; cognate with dialectal German schwappen “to clap, box (the ears)”
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Last year, Lawson was given a chance to shine but the New Zealander was dropped back down to Racing Bulls after only two races and was swapped with Tsunoda.
From BBC
The fact he would swap a World Cup - which he cannot even remember winning - to have worked on a building site reflects his current thoughts on the game.
From BBC
Though the state’s temperate coast is ideal for heat pump adoption, high residential electricity prices can make swapping a gas furnace for a heat pump a pricey proposition.
From Los Angeles Times
Sculptor Lily Marsh said it was "refreshing" to swap stone for snow.
From BBC
The proud east Londoner first dabbled in DIY when he swapped the hustle and bustle of the capital for the peace and quiet of Ipswich, which he and his family now call home.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
