noun
swan
SWAHN/swɑːn/
A large, long-necked waterbird, usually white.
A white swan glides across the pond with its neck curved.
Etymology
Old English swan already named this waterbird; its deeper origin probably described it as “the singing bird.” This would connect the name with words for melody and song.
In context
the swan glided into heraldry as an emblem of transcendent beauty and loyalty. Its curved neck and pristine feathers brought a poetic elegance to shields
More examples
- The swan dips its long neck beneath the water.
- We watch several swans take off from the lake.
- Not every swan is white; some have black feathers.
Forms
swan · swans