free-swimming

adjective

free-swim·​ming ˈfrē-ˈswi-miŋ How to pronounce free-swimming (audio)
: able to swim about : not attached
the free-swimming larva of the barnacle

Examples of free-swimming in a Sentence

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.
The effect has been especially damaging on corals, oysters, and free-swimming snails and slugs. — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 9 July 2026 From that polyp colony, free-swimming medusae bud off and develop into mature adults within a matter of weeks. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026 Red light switches them back into a free-swimming state. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 May 2026 That way, when the tuna show up the hooked baits blend in with the free-swimming chum. — Steve Waters, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for free-swimming

Word History

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of free-swimming was in 1841

Rhymes for free-swimming

See All Rhymes for free-swimming

Browse Nearby Words

freestyler
free-swimming
free-swinging
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Free-swimming.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free-swimming. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

free-swimming

adjective
free-swim·​ming
-ˌswim-iŋ
: able to swim about : not attached

Medical Definition

free-swimming

adjective
free-swim·​ming -ˌswim-iŋ How to pronounce free-swimming (audio)
: able to swim about : not attached
a free-swimming larva of a trematode
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