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 a new twist, the other half would operate as a non-swimming, staffed beach. — Shun Graves, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026

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

So, remove your wet suit after swimming, or your gym clothes after a sweaty workout, rather than hanging out in them all day. — Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 30 June 2026

Recreational swimming is not permitted, yet anglers fishing for tilapia, largemouth bass and carp are a common sight along the rocky sides of the soft-bottom areas. — Mack Baysinger follow, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 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