Swallow/ˈswɑːləʊ/ Definition 1 of 5Pro Tip 1/2Bird Species Swallow refers to quick-flying birds; often symbols of coming spring. Every year, we watch for the first swallow to know spring is near. Pro Tip 2/2Seasonal Movement Swallows are migratory, often used to describe their seasonal travel. Poets might reference swallows to evoke images of seasonal change.