outswim

verb

out·​swim ˌau̇t-ˈswim 

outswam ˌau̇t-ˈswam  ; outswum ˌau̇t-ˈswəm  ; 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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

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