swing bridge
C1Technical/Descriptive
Definition
Meaning
A bridge that can rotate horizontally to allow boats or ships to pass through.
A movable bridge that pivots on a central pier or turntable, swinging open to create a navigable channel for water traffic.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Specifically refers to a type of movable bridge mechanism; not used metaphorically for other swinging structures.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; term is identical in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both regions.
Frequency
Equally uncommon in everyday speech, primarily used in engineering, maritime, and historical contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The swing bridge + VERB (opens/closes/rotates)NOUN (ship/boat) + passes through + the swing bridgeVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in construction or infrastructure project discussions.
Academic
Used in engineering, architecture, and maritime history texts.
Everyday
Uncommon; mainly when describing specific local landmarks or travel delays.
Technical
Standard term in civil engineering and naval architecture for this bridge type.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The bridge will swing open at half past the hour.
- It takes three minutes to swing the bridge clear.
American English
- The bridge swings to let boats pass.
- They need to swing the bridge for the tall ship.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable
American English
- Not applicable
adjective
British English
- The swing-bridge mechanism is being serviced.
- We experienced a swing-bridge delay.
American English
- The swing bridge operation is automated.
- There's a swing bridge ahead on the canal.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The bridge opens for boats.
- We saw a moving bridge.
- We had to wait because the swing bridge was open.
- The old swing bridge is made of iron.
- The swing bridge rotates 90 degrees to allow maritime traffic to proceed along the river.
- Engineers are refurbishing the century-old swing bridge's pivot mechanism.
- The hydraulic system that powers the swing bridge was designed to minimise disruption to both road and river traffic.
- Preservationists argue the listed swing bridge is a seminal example of Victorian movable bridge engineering.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a bridge that SWINGS sideways like a gate to let boats through.
Conceptual Metaphor
Bridge as a rotating door/gate for waterways.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid literal translation 'качающийся мост' (which implies vertical swinging). Correct term is 'разводной мост' or specifically 'поворотный мост'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'swing bridge' to refer to a suspension bridge or a footbridge that sways.
- Confusing it with a 'bascule bridge' (which lifts) or a 'drawbridge'.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a swing bridge?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A drawbridge (or bascule bridge) typically lifts vertically, while a swing bridge rotates horizontally around a central pier.
They are often found on canals, rivers, and in older ports where a wide navigation channel is needed but vertical clearance is limited.
Yes, when the swing bridge is in its closed position, it functions as a normal fixed bridge for road or rail traffic.
They require a central pier in the waterway, which can be a navigation hazard, and they block traffic on the bridge while opening.