What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rustle
Example
The leaves rustled in the wind. [rustled: verb]
Example
I could hear the rustle of her dress as she walked by. [rustle: noun]
swish
Example
The sword made a swishing sound as it cut through the air. [swishing: verb]
Example
She wore a dress that made a swish sound when she walked. [swish: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rustle and swish are both relatively common words, but rustle is more commonly used to describe natural sounds, while swish is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between rustle and swish?
Both rustle and swish are relatively informal words, but swish may be slightly more formal due to its use in sports and other contexts where precision and speed are important.