swimming

1 of 2

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 2

noun

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

Examples of swimming in a Sentence

Noun

I am going swimming later today.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

In fact, the term athlete’s foot comes from its prevalence among athletes, who spend a lot of time walking barefoot in locker rooms, shared bathrooms or showers, and around swimming pools.4 Athlete’s foot spreads when uninfected skin comes into contact with infected skin. —Sarah Bradley, Health, 15 Aug. 2025

McIntosh knows all too well herself about the power that such impressive performances can make on swimming and non-swimming fans alike. —Aleks Klosok, CNN, 6 Aug. 2024

Noun

Authorities have said swimming is not allowed in the body of water. —Abigail Adams, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025

Located on Norway’s southern tip, this midsize city is known for sunshine, swimming spots, and a relaxed summer atmosphere that feels more Mediterranean than Nordic, at least when the weather cooperates. —David Nikel, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025

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