swing state

noun

plural swing states
US politics : a U.S. state in which Republican and Democratic candidates have similar levels of support and which is considered to play a key role in the outcome of presidential elections
The politics of immigration in Florida, a key swing state, are not as clear as they are in California.Tom Masland et al.
If he is so polarizing, how was he elected five times in a swing state?Nancy Gibbs et al.

Examples of swing state 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.
The participants live in swing states and don't always vote for the same party. Tamara Keith, NPR, 19 May 2026 Florida seemed to lose its swing state status after big Republican victories in 2022 and 2024 but Democrats lately have been flipping GOP seats. Zac Anderson, USA Today, 17 May 2026 Our former swing state now has become a red state through and through thanks largely to the new congressional districts which are stretched to inane proportions. Ann Marie Luft, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2026 Winners will have oversight of 2028 elections in swing states like Arizona, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. Dan Merica, Washington Post, 10 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for swing state

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of swing state was in 1952

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Cite this Entry

“Swing state.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swing%20state. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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