In this paper, a new meta-heuristic algorithm, called beetle swarm optimization (BSO) algorithm , is proposed by enhancing the performance of swarm optimization through beetle foraging principles. The performance of 23 benchmark functions is tested and compared with widely used algorithms, including particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, genetic algorithm (GA) and grasshopper optimization algorithm (GOA). Numerical experiments show that the BSO algorithm outperforms its counterparts. Besides, to demonstrate the practical impact of the proposed algorithm, two classic engineering design problems, namely, pressure vessel design problem and himmelblau's optimization problem, are also considered and the proposed BSO algorithm is shown to be competitive in those applications.