noun / verb

swish

SWISH/swɪʃ/

A soft rushing or rustling sound, or movement that makes it.

The horse swishes its long tail to chase away flies.

A horse swishes its long, loose tail sideways through the air, the fine hairs fanning into a flowing curve as nearby flies scatter.

Etymology

Swish probably imitates the sound of something brushing against or through something else. The verb names the movement by its accompanying sound, as something passes with a soft rush.

In context

Waterline Diving1:23

you can let a little bit of water into your mask swish it around to clear the mist out and then clear the mask and continue your dive

Scuba Diving Lessons for Beginners

More examples

We hear the swish of tires on the wet road.
The curtains swish gently in the breeze.
With a swish of his brush, he clears the dust.

Forms

swish · swishes · swished · swishing

Similar words

rustle: Suggests light, irregular sounds, often from leaves or paper.
whoosh: Usually suggests a louder rush of air or rapid movement.