swing-boat

A family enjoys a ride on the swing-boat at the fair.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of amusement ride: A "swing-boat" is a piece of fairground equipment consisting of a boat-shaped carriage suspended from a frame, which swings back and forth like a pendulum as riders sit inside.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The children laughed with joy as the swing-boat carried them higher and higher. (The amusement ride that swings like a pendulum.)
  • We waited in line for the swing-boat at the carnival. (A fairground ride shaped like a boat.)

Advanced Usage

• "to ride a swing-boat": to participate in the amusement ride.

  • She felt a thrill of excitement as she rode the swing-boat. (She enjoyed the swinging motion of the ride.)

• "swing-boat operator": the person who manages or controls the ride.

  • The swing-boat operator ensured all safety harnesses were secure. (The person responsible for running the ride.)

Variants and Related Words

• Swing (n/v): a seat suspended from ropes or chains for swinging; or the act of moving back and forth.
  • The children took turns on the swing in the park. (A simple playground swing.)
• Boat (n): a small vessel for traveling on water.
  • They took a boat across the lake. (A watercraft.)

Synonyms

• Pendulum ride: a ride that swings like a pendulum.
• Fairground swing: a general term for swinging amusement rides.

Phrasal Verbs

• Swing up: to move upward in a swinging motion.
  • The swing-boat swung up to its highest point. (The ride reached the peak of its arc.)

Related Idioms

• Swing into action: to begin moving or acting energetically.
  • The crew swung into action as the swing-boat started to move. (They began working quickly.)