'sway' - Complete English Word Reference Definitions of 'sway' 1. When people or things sway, they lean or swing slowly from one side to the other. [...] 2. If you are swayed by someone or something, you are influenced by them. SWAYED definition: 1. past simple and past participle of sway 2. to move slowly from side to side: 3. to cause…. Learn more. Sway definition: to move or swing to and fro, as something fixed at one end or resting on a support.. See examples of SWAY used in a sentence. Sway refers to the act of moving smoothly and rhythmically, often in a way that seems uncontrolled. It can also mean the power to affect or change someone’s thoughts or decisions.