Definition of swift

• v. i. - Moving a great distance in a short time; moving with celerity or velocity; fleet; rapid; quick; speedy; prompt.
• v. i. - Of short continuance; passing away quickly.
• adv. - Swiftly.
• n. - The current of a stream.
• n. - Any one of numerous species of small, long-winged, insectivorous birds of the family Micropodidae. In form and habits the swifts resemble swallows, but they are destitute of complex vocal muscles and are not singing birds, but belong to a widely different group allied to the humming birds.
• n. - Any one of several species of lizards, as the pine lizard.
• n. - The ghost moth. See under Ghost.
• n. - A reel, or turning instrument, for winding yarn, thread, etc.; -- used chiefly in the plural.
• n. - The main card cylinder of a flax-carding machine.