swim

verb

\ˈswim

swam\ˈswam

\; swum\ˈswəm

\; swimming

Definition of swim

(Entry 1 of 3)

intransitive verb

1a : to propel oneself in water by natural means (such as movements of the limbs, fins, or tail)

b : to play in the water (as at a beach or swimming pool)

2 : to move with a motion like that of swimming : glide a cloud swam slowly across the moon

3a : to float on a liquid : not sink

b : to surmount difficulties : not go under sink or swim, live or die, survive or perish— Daniel Webster

4 : to become immersed in or flooded with or as if with a liquid potatoes swimming in gravy

5 : to have a floating or reeling appearance or sensation

transitive verb

1a : to cross by propelling oneself through water swim a stream

b : to execute in swimming

2 : to cause to swim or float

swim

noun

Definition of swim (Entry 2 of 3)

1 : a smooth gliding motion

2 : an act or period of swimming

3 : a temporary dizziness or unconsciousness

4a : an area frequented by fish

b : the main current of activity in the swim

swim

adjective

Definition of swim (Entry 3 of 3)

: of, relating to, or used in or for swimming

Other Words from swim Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about swim

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Examples of swim in a Sentence

Verb

He's teaching the children to swim. She swam across the pool. He swam the English Channel. The racers must swim the backstroke. We watched the fish swimming in the river. Ducks swam in the pond. I felt weak and my head was swimming. The room swam before my eyes.

Noun

the merest glimpse of blood sends him into a swim

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The penthouse will also have its own gym, two private elevators, a home movie theater, a Turkish hammam, a putting green, two outdoor kitchens and two 45-foot-long infinity pools on either side of the unit for swims at sunrise and sunset. — Katherine Clarke, WSJ, "Renzo Piano-Designed Miami Beach Penthouse Could Set Florida Record," 4 Dec. 2018 Weiss insisted on going swimming so that Peyser wouldn’t wear a wire, a very normal precaution. — Dylan Matthews, Vox, "The “why can’t we all just get along” theory of politics," 3 Dec. 2018 Yet another artist saw their illustrations of people running around and swimming get flagged. — Shannon Liao, The Verge, "Tumblr is already flagging innocent posts as porn," 3 Dec. 2018 Or escort scared and exhausted young people, few if any of whom could swim, through an underwater maze that was daunting even for the world’s best cave divers. — New York Times, "In Daring Underwater Cave Rescue, 4 of 13 Thai Are Freed," 8 July 2018 There are some that send you to outer space, others where kaleidoscopic dolphins or turtles swim around. — Andrew Webster, The Verge, "Tetris Effect is a glorious love letter to Tetris," 9 Nov. 2018 But more have decided to stop waiting and swim across the river to enter without papers. — Dara Lind, Vox, "The migrant caravan, explained," 24 Oct. 2018 Sapey was tasked with making use of open, dark spaces, including a cavernous alcove consisting of columns plastered with disembodied legs swimming up to the ceiling. — Danielle Fox, ELLE Decor, "At the Nhow Marseille Hotel in France, Italian Furniture and Local Grit Lead the Design," 22 Oct. 2018 The infection occurs most commonly when people who wear contacts swim, shower, or wash their face while wearing lenses, according to a pamphlet from Moorfields Eye Hospital in London. — Bartie Scott, Teen Vogue, "A Rare Eye Infection Is Spreading Among Contact Lens Wearers in the U.K.," 21 Sep. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Now, on summer mornings, the couple choose between a bracing dip in the fiord or a swim in their heated outdoor pool. — J.s. Marcus, WSJ, "Living Large in a Scandinavian Suburb," 3 Oct. 2018 On the surrounding property, guests can go fishing or take a swim in the nearby creek, grill some food on the communal patio or unwind under the stars in the hot tub. — Michelle Gant, Fox News, "5 glamping destinations in the US for those who want to enjoy nature in complete comfort," 27 July 2018 The council also met in regular session Tuesday to approve the 2018-19 financial plan on first reading, and discussed raising swim center fees. — Laura Groch, sandiegouniontribune.com, "How they voted, June 24," 24 June 2018 One spontaneous 1962 image by Bill Beebe captures Kennedy emerging from an ocean swim in Santa Monica, dripping with water and surrounded by giddy admirers. — Richard Chang, latimes.com, "In 'American Visionary' exhibit, Bowers Museum examines JFK's youthful dynamism," 22 Mar. 2018 Earlier in Saturday's meet, Branscombe had a strong swim in the 200 free, taking third in 1:41.39. — Staff Report, courant.com, "South Windsor's Branscombe Goes Out As State Open Champ," 17 Mar. 2018 Andrew arrives at a palatial house in California, strips naked and takes a swim in the pool. — Emma Dibdin, Harper's BAZAAR, "The Assassination of Gianni Versace Episode 6 Sees Andrew Cunanan Slowly Unravel," 1 Mar. 2018 Families with kids, all welcome, should check out the Encanto Beach Club for a series of swim and splash areas. the resort's secret aviation history. — David Jefferys, Condé Nast Traveler, "Puerto Rico's Dorado Beach Is a Bit of Bali, Three Hours from Home," 12 Nov. 2018 Visits with Queen Elizabeth mix with daughter Sasha’s swim meets. — Kay S. Hymowitz, WSJ, "‘Becoming’ Review: The Sound of Striving," 12 Nov. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

This will be the second location in the Cincinnati area for the popular swim school franchise that specializes in teaching children ages 4 months to 12-years-old to swim. — Sheila Vilvens, Cincinnati.com, "Popular swim school plans to open this fall in Anderson Township," 12 June 2018 Both victims were teammates on Brockport High School's swim team, setting a record at a 2016 meet in the 200-meter freestyle relay. — Fox News, "Former teammates found dead in burned car had been shot, authorities say," 13 Sep. 2018 Enroll children who are old enough in swim lessons. — Caroline Picard, Good Housekeeping, "Bode and Morgan Miller Open Up About Their Daughter’s Drowning Accident in New Interview," 30 July 2018 Thursday was Draco and Kyro Alexander’s first official swim lesson. — Maria Elena Vizcaino, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Children learn to swim at Aquatica as part of 'World's Largest Swim Lesson'," 21 June 2018 Prizes include bike helmets, summer fun pails, a soccer ball, swim lesson sessions, New Britain Bees tickets and more. — Courant Community, "Community News For The Wethersfield Edition," 12 June 2018 And almost all public pools offer swim lessons throughout the season. — Helena Oliviero, ajc, "Your guide to some of metro Atlanta’s best public pools," 25 May 2018 Taking mother-daughter dressing to new heights, Ashley and her mom Linda Graham appear alongside one another wearing bikinis, one-pieces, and cover-ups from the swim brand's latest limited-edition capsule with Graham. — Lauren Alexis Fisher, Harper's BAZAAR, "Ashley Graham and Her Mom Star in New Swimsuits For All Campaign," 5 Feb. 2018 Work on the extensive overhaul of the swim center began in January. — Steve Dreyer, Pomerado News, "Poway Swim Center won't open until after Labor Day," 27 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'swim.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.