swimming

[ swim-ing ]

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that swims.
2. the skill or technique of a person who swims.
3. the sport of swimming.

adjective

1. pertaining to, characterized by, or capable of swimming.
2. used in or for swimming:

   swimming trunks.

3. immersed in or overflowing with water or some other liquid.
4. dizzy or giddy:

   a swimming head.

Other Words From

• swimming·ness noun
• non·swimming adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of swimming¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English; Old English swimmende (adjective). See swim, -ing ², -ing ¹

Example Sentences

They had a big house with a swimming pool and often used to entertain their extended family during the summer holidays.

From BBC

A man who was told a pregnant cow was stuck in his swimming pool said he is over the moon after a successful rescue attempt.

From BBC

In the UK and abroad, there have been major controversies in football, swimming and gymnastics clubs, where allegations of physical, sexual and emotional abuse have been made against coaches by young athletes.

From BBC

Over two decades ago, researchers spotted a mysterious sea slug swimming more than 8,000 feet deep in the Monterey Bay.

From Los Angeles Times

The sister of a 16-year-old boy who drowned while swimming naked at a Christian holiday camp in Zimbabwe run by child abuser John Smyth blames the Church of England for his death.

From BBC