swan
Long-necked pond dweller
A swan is a large waterfowl with a long curved neck, typically white plumage, and graceful movement on water.
Swans mate for life and have become symbols of elegance, fidelity, and romance.
A swan song is a final performance or gesture before death or retirement—from the ancient belief that swans sing beautifully only when dying.
To swan about or swan around is to move in an aimless, leisurely, or self-satisfied manner: She swanned around Europe all summer while we worked. (Capitalized Swan appears in proper names.)
Immature swan
- trumpeterOne who plays brass
- whooperVocal swan species
- penInk-filled writing tool
- cobMaize ear's central cylinder
flock · migration · webbed feet · plumage · feathers · down · molt · wingspan
Effortless beauty of motion
- glideMove with effortless continuity
- poiseGraceful, unshakable calm
- beautyAesthetic excellence
- majestyImpressive supreme dignity
refinement · regal · serene · dignified · stately · flowing · effortless · composure
Uncontaminated quality
- fidelityLoyalty or exactness
- loveIntense fond attachment
- devotionDeep, loyal commitment
- monogamyOne partner at a time
white · innocence · beauty · poetry · romanticism
Beloved person or pet
- sweetheartAffectionate name for beloved
- dearTreasured or costly
- loveIntense fond attachment
- pet nameAffectionate nickname for loved ones
Initially unpromising eventual success
- transformationThorough change in form
- becomingAttractive or appropriate
- emergenceComing into existence
- maturationProcess of becoming complete
chrysalis · blossoming · growth · revelation
Ballet for two dancers
- adagioSlow musical tempo
- tutuShort projecting dance skirt
- pointeBallet's tiptoe technique
- corps de balletBallet's ensemble performers
cygnet
Immature swan
cob · flock · migration · webbed feet · plumage · feathers · down · molt · wingspan · necking
grace
Effortless beauty of motion
majesty · refinement · regal · serene · dignified · stately · flowing · effortless · composure · nobility
purity
Uncontaminated quality
monogamy · white · innocence · beauty · poetry · romanticism
darling
Beloved person or pet
- sweetheartAffectionate name for beloved
- dearTreasured or costly
- loveIntense fond attachment
ugly duckling
Initially unpromising eventual success
- transformationThorough change in form
- becomingAttractive or appropriate
- emergenceComing into existence
maturation · chrysalis · blossoming · growth · revelation
pas de deux
Ballet for two dancers
swanvulture
Carrion-eating raptor
crow · raven · buzzard · turkey vulture · condor
- swan songFinal work or performance
- swan diveArched forward plunge
- black swanDark-feathered Australian waterfowl
- Swan LakeRomantic Russian ballet
- swan boatBird-shaped paddle craft
- black swan eventUnforeseen high-impact occurrence
swans, swanning, swanned, swanlike, swansong, black swan, swansdown, swan-song, mute swan