1
a
: 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
3
a
: 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
Daniel Webster4
: 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
1
a
: to cross by propelling oneself through water
swim a stream
b
: to execute in swimming
2
: to cause to swim or float
1
: a smooth gliding motion
2
: an act or period of swimming
3
: a temporary dizziness or unconsciousness
4
a
: an area frequented by fish
b
: the main current of activity
in the swim
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
Jc Reindl, Freep.com, 10 Dec. 2025
Whereas Chandler’s Marlowe pursued meaning through corruption, Tarnow swims in a world where corruption and meaning are indistinguishable.
—Literary Hub, 10 Dec. 2025
Daria Bachmann, Travel + Leisure, 9 Dec. 2025
From futuristic swim goggles to the smart watch our entire office is obsessed with, these tech gifts are both luxurious and incredibly practical.
—The Editors, Outside, 8 Dec. 2025
New Atlas, 3 Dec. 2025
Participants develop relaxation routines, including setting pre-swim intentions and establishing mid-dive attention anchors, to sharpen mental focus and soak up the ocean’s awe.
—Stephanie Vermillion, Vogue, 26 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for swim
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Verb
The two-story brick building dates to 1929 and is where boxing legend Joe Louis once trained and generations of young Detroiters learn to swim.
—Jc Reindl, Freep.com, 10 Dec. 2025
Whereas Chandler’s Marlowe pursued meaning through corruption, Tarnow swims in a world where corruption and meaning are indistinguishable.
—Literary Hub, 10 Dec. 2025
Noun
Just an eight-minute drive from Corippo is Ponte dei Salti, a photogenic stone bridge over the Verzasca River, a popular launching point for a refreshing swim on a hot summer day.
—Daria Bachmann, Travel + Leisure, 9 Dec. 2025
From futuristic swim goggles to the smart watch our entire office is obsessed with, these tech gifts are both luxurious and incredibly practical.
—The Editors, Outside, 8 Dec. 2025
Adjective
Some swim tracks cross-cut walking tracks, and most swim trackways are oriented toward the SSE.
—New Atlas, 3 Dec. 2025
Participants develop relaxation routines, including setting pre-swim intentions and establishing mid-dive attention anchors, to sharpen mental focus and soak up the ocean’s awe.
—Stephanie Vermillion, Vogue, 26 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for swim
Cite this Entry
“Swim.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swim. Accessed 12 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
swim
2 of 2 noun1
: an act or period of swimming
2
: the main current of activity
in the swim of things
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