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
This match has the potential to be symphonic, with Bartůňková’s swashbuckling attack meeting Andreeva’s counterpunching durability. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026 Michael Curtiz’s Captain Blood finds Flynn almost at the top of his swashbuckling game. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Aug. 2026 The term instead invokes a journey marked by swashbuckling adventure, romantic wanderlust and wide-eyed curiosity. — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 23 July 2026 Sky was founded by Rupert Murdoch in 1990 and became a swashbuckling growth and innovation story in the UK television market, culminating in a $39 billion sale to Comcast in 2018. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 5 July 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 7 Sep. 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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