bathe

1 of 3

verb

ˈbāt͟h 

bathed; bathing

transitive verb

1

: moisten, wet

2

: to wash in a liquid (such as water)

3

: to apply water or a liquid medicament to

4

: to flow along the edge of : lave

5

: to suffuse with or as if with light

intransitive verb

1

: to take a bath

2

: to go swimming

3

: to become immersed or absorbed

bather

ˈbā-t͟hər 

noun

bathe

2 of 3

noun (1)

1

British : bath entry 1 sense 1

2

British : swim, dip

bather

3 of 3

noun (2)

bath·​er ˈbā-t͟hər 

plural -s

1

: one that bathes

2

British : swimmer

3

Australia : a bathing suit

—usually used in plural

Synonyms of bathe

Verb

• wash

Examples of bathe in a Sentence

Verb

the cool waters of the North Atlantic bathe the island's shores

bathe your contact lens with the solution before inserting them

Noun (1)

We went for a bathe in the sea.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Birds are attracted to just about any water source, but most appreciate a shallow basin for bathing. — Savanna Bous, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Aug. 2026

Another dish to look out for is the seared tuna ($44), bathed in a delectable coconut and brown-butter sauce that’s paired with Jimmy Nardello peppers that look spicy but simply offer a fresh crunch. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 6 Aug. 2026

Private care is astronomical, and Medicare doesn't cover the custodial care this disease requires, the day-to-day help with bathing and dressing and supervision that can go on for a decade. — Sue Peschin, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Odd dreams of pyramid interiors, bathed in a soft blue light. — Ian Penman, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Old English bathian; akin to Old English bæth bath

First Known Use

Verb

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

Noun (1)

1747, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for bathe

• lathe

Kids Definition

bathe

verb

ˈbāt͟h

bathed; bathing

1

: to take a bath

2

: to go swimming

3

: to give a bath to

bathe the baby

4

: to apply a liquid to

bathe the eyes

5

: to cover with or as if with a liquid

a scene bathed in moonlight

bather

ˈbā-t͟hər

noun

Medical Definition

bathe

1 of 2 verb

ˈbāt͟h 

bathed; bathing

transitive verb

1

: to wash in a liquid (as water)

2

: to apply water or a liquid medicament to

bathe the eye with warm water

intransitive verb

: to take a bath

bathe

2 of 2 noun

British

: the act or action of bathing : bath