swimming

1 of 2

adjective

swim·​ming ˈswi-miŋ 

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 2

noun

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

Examples of swimming in a Sentence

Noun

I am going swimming later today.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

In fact, the term athlete’s foot comes from its prevalence among athletes, who spend a lot of time walking barefoot in locker rooms, shared bathrooms or showers, and around swimming pools.4 Athlete’s foot spreads when uninfected skin comes into contact with infected skin. —Sarah Bradley, Health, 15 Aug. 2025

McIntosh knows all too well herself about the power that such impressive performances can make on swimming and non-swimming fans alike. —Aleks Klosok, CNN, 6 Aug. 2024

Noun

Later in the performance, a twisting motion of Thomas’ arm sent 28-year-old Malibu swimming to the center of the pool to shoot skyward, spinning like a corkscrew. —Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Sep. 2025

The monumental cleanup of the Seine, allowing public swimming after a century, may be the most visible symbol of what's possible when a city truly commits to sustainability. —Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025

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

Phrases Containing swimming

• free-swimming
• swimming bath
• swimming cap
• swimming costume
• swimming hole
• swimming pool
• swimming trunks
• synchronized swimming

Rhymes for swimming

• brimming
• dimming
• miming
• rimming
• skimming
• slimming
• trimming

Kids Definition

swimming

adjective

swim·​ming

ˈswim-iŋ

: marked by, capable of, or used in or for swimming