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

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

Pets are not allowed on Rosewood Beach, but nearby Moraine Park is dog-friendly and includes picnic areas, a sculpture garden, and walking trails to the non-swimming beach. — Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2026

Noun

Russia’s return Among top-tier Olympic sports, swimming’s governing body World Aquatics lifted its restrictions on Russian athletes in April. — Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026

Shellfish harvesting areas faced a tougher outlook than swimming conditions, as wastewater safety protocols from the Division of Marine Fisheries kept areas closed in Newburyport, Gloucester, Salisbury, Newbury, Ipswich, Rowley, Essex and Rockport. — Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 7 July 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