1 B1 neutral
To move outward in a pivoting, arc-like motion, as a door or gate opens away from you.
"The barn door swung out on its rusty hinges and revealed the dark interior."
inseparable
swing out
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
To move outward in an arc, pivoting from a fixed point, as a door opens or a vehicle moves out of its lane.
In plain English
To move out from a position in a big curving arc, like a door opening outward or a car pulling out into traffic.
What does "swing out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
Of a vehicle: to move out of its lane or parking space with a curving movement.
"The lorry suddenly swung out without signalling, nearly hitting the cyclist."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To swing (pivot in an arc) in an outward direction, away from a central point.
Actually means
To move out from a position in a big curving arc, like a door opening outward or a car pulling out into traffic.
Usage tip
Commonly used for vehicles changing lanes, doors opening, crane arms extending, and people stepping out. Also used in jazz to mean playing with energetic, rhythmic freedom ('the band was really swinging out').
Words that pair with "swing out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
door vehicle crane arm lane traffic
How to conjugate "swing out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
swing out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
swings out
he/she/it
Past simple
swinged out
yesterday
Past participle
swinged out
have + pp
-ing form
swinging out
continuous
Hear "swing out" in the wild
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Other ways to say "swing out"
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