First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1swim
verb \ˈswim\
: to move through water by moving your arms and legs
: to move through or across (an area of water) by swimming
: to swim by using (a specified method)
swam \ˈswam\ swum \ˈswəm\ swim·ming
Full Definition of SWIM
intransitive verb
1
a : to propel oneself in water by natural means (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>
4
: 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
transitive verb
1
a : to cross by propelling oneself through water <swim a stream> b : to execute in swimming
2
: to cause to swim or float
— swim·mer noun
See swim defined for English-language learners
See swim defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of SWIM
Middle English swimmen, from Old English swimman; akin to Old High German swimman to swim
2swim
noun
: an act or period of swimming
Full Definition of SWIM
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>
See swim defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SWIM
1599
3swim
adjective
SWIMMER Defined for Kids
1swim
verb \ˈswim\
swam \ˈswam\swum \ˈswəm\swim·ming
Definition of SWIM for Kids
1
: to move through or in water by moving arms, legs, fins, or tail
2
: to cross by swimming <He swam the river.>
3
: to float on or in or be covered with or as if with a liquid <The corn was swimming in butter.>
4
: to be dizzy : move or seem to move in a dizzying way <My head swam in the hot room.>
— swim·mer noun
2swim
noun
Definition of SWIM for Kids
: an act or period of swimming
Learn More About SWIM
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: swim bladderPrevious Word in the Dictionary: swill milkAll Words Near: swim
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up swim? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).