swimming

1 of 3

adjective

swim·​ming ˈswi-miŋ How to pronounce swimming (audio)
Synonyms of swimmingnext
1
[present participle of swim] : that swims
a swimming bird
2
[gerund of swim] : adapted to or used in or for swimming

swimming

2 of 3

noun

: the act, art, or sport of one that swims and dives

swimming

3 of 3

present participle of swim entry 1

Examples of swimming in a Sentence

Noun I am going swimming later today.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
They were framed by dozens of kids, mid-swimming lesson, splashing around in a pool behind them. — Ruth Abramovitz, Sun Sentinel, 9 July 2026 Authorities said such beaches are handled as dangerous, non-swimming areas. — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026
Noun
Her mother, Rizza, was a Southeast Asian Games bronze medalist in swimming before becoming the CFO of a major telecommunications firm, while her uncle Noli is a former high-ranking official in Philippine basketball. — Max Gao, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026 While the island is surrounded by lake water on all sides, there isn't a huge swimming culture among visitors, as the beaches are pretty rocky. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for swimming

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of swimming was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing swimming

Rhymes for swimming

See All Rhymes for swimming

Browse Nearby Words

swimminess
swimming
swimming bath
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Swimming.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swimming. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

swimming

adjective
swim·​ming
ˈswim-iŋ
: marked by, capable of, or used in or for swimming

More from Merriam-Webster on swimming

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for swimming

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about swimming

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