swan definition - Dictionary

Dictionary

swan [ swon ]

noun (plural swans)

Definition:

large long-necked water bird: a large graceful water bird with webbed feet, a long slender neck, and usually white feathers. Family Anatidae.

intransitive verb (past and past participle swanned, present participle swan·ning, 3rd person present singular swans)

Definition:

U.K. wander about idly: to wander around in a relaxed way, especially one regarded as irresponsible or selfish ( informal )

[ Old English, "singer" < Indo-European, "make a sound"]

swan·like adjective

Cultural Note


	Swan Lake, a ballet (1876) by Russian composer Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Tchaikovsky's first ballet is the romantic tale of Prince Siegfried, who falls in love with Odette, one of a group of swans he has seen metamorphose into beautiful maidens. When he realizes he has been tricked into declaring his love for another swan-maiden, Siegfried rushes to Odette and the two drown themselves in the Lake of Tears.