swimming

1 of 3

adjective

swim·​ming ˈswi-miŋ 

1

[present participle of swim] : that swims

a swimming bird

2

[gerund of swim] : adapted to or used in or for swimming

swimming

2 of 3

noun

: the act, art, or sport of one that swims and dives

swimming

3 of 3

present participle of swim entry 1

Examples of swimming in a Sentence

Noun

I am going swimming later today.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

They were framed by dozens of kids, mid-swimming lesson, splashing around in a pool behind them. — Ruth Abramovitz, Sun Sentinel, 9 July 2026

Authorities said such beaches are handled as dangerous, non-swimming areas. — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026

Noun

Set physical activity goals and prioritize exercise, including both aerobic activities such as brisk walking, cycling or swimming, along with strength training. — Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026

From hiking and lake swimming to cycling and sunbathing, there’s no shortage of ways to spend a summer day in this stretch of Northern Italy. — Katharine Sohn, Architectural Digest, 25 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing swimming

• free-swimming
• swimming bath
• swimming cap
• swimming costume
• swimming hole
• swimming pool
• swimming trunks
• synchronized swimming

Rhymes for swimming

• brimming
• dimming
• miming
• rimming
• skimming
• slimming
• trimming

Kids Definition

swimming

adjective

swim·​ming

ˈswim-iŋ

: marked by, capable of, or used in or for swimming