outswim

verb

out·​swim ˌau̇t-ˈswim How to pronounce outswim (audio)
outswam ˌau̇t-ˈswam How to pronounce outswim (audio) ; outswum ˌau̇t-ˈswəm How to pronounce outswim (audio) ; outswimming

transitive verb

: to outdo or surpass in swimming : to swim faster, farther, or better than
Polar bears use sea ice as a platform from which to hunt seals, which are the bearsʼ main source of food but can outswim them in open water.Rowena Lindsay

Examples of outswim 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.
In desperate attempts to outswim these new predators, the ichthyosaurs were more likely to rise too quickly. Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 15 May 2012 Experts say to never attempt to outswim a rip current and instead recommend swimming parallel to shore to escape the current, a previous Journal Sentinel report said. Hannah Kirby, Journal Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2022 Experts also say to never attempt to outswim a rip current and instead recommend swimming parallel to shore to escape the current. Brittany Trang, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 2 July 2021 Today’s species can outswim the fastest Olympians, change color at will, escape through the tiniest of holes. Colin Dickey, New Republic, 21 Sep. 2017

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of outswim was in 1863

Dictionary Entries Near outswim

Cite this Entry

“Outswim.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outswim. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

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