swoosh

USAGE SUMMARY

"swoosh" is a legitimate English word and is used to describe a sweeping, rushing sound.
For example, "The basketball went through the hoop with a swoosh."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Food

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His voice and sound mark him as the male Adele or Amy Winehouse, both of whom he adores; indeed, the blond swoosh of dye atop his quiff was partly inspired by Winehouse.

The Guardian - Music

Bribery and doping allegations in football and athletics are threatening to drag sportswear maker Nike into two simultaneous PR crises that could tarnish the iconic swoosh brand.

The Guardian - Sport

The amniotic swoosh of passing tyres.

The Guardian

And in a recent book, "The Pirate's Dilemma", Matt Mason gives the example of Nigo, a Japanese designer who took Air Force 1 trainers made by Nike, removed the famous "swoosh" logo, applied his own designs and then sold the resulting shoes in limited editions at $300 a pair under his own label, A Bathing Ape.

The Economist

The swoosh heard around the world Media's two tribes Two cheers for Sarbanes-Oxley ReprintsThe unexpectedly strong shareholder support for Telefónica's bid suggests that the Spanish firm is offering far too much.

The Economist

And it is thanks to IMG that Tiger Woods carries the Nike swoosh and testifies in TV commercials to the benefits of American Express.

The Economist

The swoosh heard around the world Media's two tribes Two cheers for Sarbanes-Oxley ReprintsIt seems to be working.

The Economist

The swoosh heard around the world Media's two tribes Two cheers for Sarbanes-Oxley ReprintsIn America, meanwhile, the majors are being lured by the opening of vast new "unconventional" gas reserves, which have scarcely begun to be tapped.

The Economist

The swoosh heard around the world Media's two tribes Two cheers for Sarbanes-Oxley ReprintsMend it, don't end itWas this a missed opportunity to rid America of a piece of job-destroying over-regulation, or was it an exercise in judicial prudence?

The Economist

Some apply the model to new markets: Nike has brought its "swoosh" to one sport after another.

The Economist

The restaurant is striking, an homage to its namesake, the architect Frank Lloyd Wright, who designed the museum: a white-on-white swoosh along the south side of the building, with a Pantone-like installation of powder-coated aluminum planks by the artist Liam Gillick providing color.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "swoosh" to vividly describe rapid movements accompanied by a distinctive sound, such as the sound of wind or a fast-moving object.

Common error

Avoid using "swoosh" for just any sound; it specifically implies a rushing or sweeping quality. Using it for a simple 'thud' or 'bang' is incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The word "swoosh" functions primarily as both a noun and a verb, describing a sound or movement characterized by a sweeping or rushing quality. Ludwig confirms this dual functionality, showcasing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Encyclopedias

4%

Food

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "swoosh" is a versatile word serving as both a noun and a verb, effectively describing a sweeping sound or movement. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage is grammatically correct and frequent, particularly in News & Media contexts. While its register remains generally neutral, it is essential to use it aptly, denoting a rushing or sweeping sound or movement and not as a generic term for every sound. Pay attention to avoiding the common mistakes, the advice on offer aims to make your usage more precise and accurate. "Swoosh" is also notably associated with the Nike logo, further extending its recognition. Alternative phrases like "whoosh" and "swish" offer variations in conveying similar sensory experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

whoosh

Focuses more on the sound aspect, often implying a sudden rush of air or movement.

swish

Emphasizes a smooth, rustling sound or movement, similar to "swoosh" but often less forceful.

rush

Highlights the rapid movement aspect, without necessarily including the auditory component.

sweep

Suggests a broad, continuous movement, often across a surface or area.

Nike logo

Specifically refers to the Nike brand symbol, a common association with the word "swoosh".

curved check mark

Describes the shape of the Nike logo, highlighting its visual characteristic.

a sweeping sound

Focuses on the auditory experience, replacing the single word with a descriptive phrase.

a rushing movement

Emphasizes the motion aspect, providing a more descriptive alternative to the single word.

a flourish of movement

Suggests an elegant or showy movement, adding a stylistic element to the original meaning.

a rapid passage

Highlights the quickness of movement or time, differing slightly from the sound-centric focus of "swoosh".

FAQs

How can I use "swoosh" in a sentence?

You can use "swoosh" as a verb, as in "The basketball "swooshed" through the net", or as a noun, like "We heard the "swoosh of the wings" as the bird flew by."

What words are similar to "swoosh"?

Words similar to "swoosh" include "whoosh", "swish", and "rush". The best choice depends on the specific context and sound you want to convey.

Is "swoosh" only used to describe sounds?

No, while "swoosh" often describes a sound, it can also refer to a movement, especially a rapid or sweeping one. For instance, "the "swoosh of a cape"" refers to its movement.

What is the association between "swoosh" and Nike?

The "swoosh" is the iconic logo of Nike. The term is commonly used to refer to the logo itself, representing the brand's identity.