swashbuckling

1 of 2

adjective

swash·​buck·​ling ˈswäsh-ˌbə-k(ə-)liŋ 

ˈswȯsh-

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

Adjective

Greenspan’s cooking is equal parts nostalgic and swashbuckling, with a menu that brazenly reimagines foods most Jewish Americans hold near and dear. — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Also in June, it was revealed that Jackman and Scott were teaming up to adapt Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic swashbuckling tale for the big screen. — Jack Dunn, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026

The swashbuckling 25-year-old is all but a lock to win the American League Cy Young Award. — Ryan Canfield Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026

The capable Christopher Gattelli directs and choreographs a cast that includes Ruthie Ann Miles, Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer and Zane Phillips, making his Broadway debut as the swashbuckling narrator, El Gallo. — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

swashbuckler

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1693, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for swashbuckling

• buckling
• chuckling
• duckling

Kids Definition

swashbuckling

adjective

swash·​buck·​ling ˈswäsh-ˌbək-(ə-)liŋ 

ˈswȯsh-

1

: acting in the manner of a swashbuckler

2

: characteristic of, marked by, or done by swashbucklers

swashbuckling adventure

a swashbuckling tale