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.
Luke Bosher Coventry City Maintaining momentum and personnel from a swashbuckling Championship title-winning season has been the priority for Frank Lampard’s side, as Coventry prepare for their first taste of Premier League football since 2001. — Luke Bosher, New York Times, 31 July 2026 Keira Knightley, who plays Will Turner’s love interest and Pirate Queen Elizabeth Swann in the Pirates films, also publicly stated that she was done with the swashbuckling series. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 27 July 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

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 3 Aug. 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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