1
a
: to move through water by moving your arms and legs
He's teaching the children to swim.
She swam across the pool.
I can't swim.
He swam (for) almost a mile.
b
: to move through or across (an area of water) by swimming
He swam the English Channel.
c
: to swim by using (a specified method)
The racers must swim the backstroke.
d
of a fish, bird, etc.
: to move through or over water
We watched the fish swimming in the river.
Ducks swam in/on the pond.
2
: to be completely covered with a liquid
—usually used as (be) swimming in
The potatoes were swimming in butter/gravy.
3
a
: to feel dizzy or unable to think clearly because you are sick, confused, etc.
I felt weak and my head was swimming.
All the facts and figures he was reciting were starting to make my head swim. [=starting to make me feel confused, unable to think clearly, etc.]
b
of something you are looking at
: to seem to be moving around because you are tired, sick, etc.
The room swam before my eyes.
plural swims
: an act or period of swimming
—usually singular
We have time for a quick swim before dinner.
Would you like to go for a swim?
The schools competed in a swim meet. [=a swimming competition with many races]
Cite this Entry
“Swim.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/swim. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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