swan dive

noun

: a front dive executed with the head back, back arched, and arms spread sideways and then brought together above the head to form a straight line with the body as the diver enters the water

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of swan dive was in 1898

Dictionary Entries Near swan dive

Cite this Entry

“Swan dive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swan%20dive. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on swan dive

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!