v. & n.
v. (swimming; past swam; past part. swum) 1 intr. propel the body through water by working the arms and legs, or (of a fish) the fins and tail. 2 tr. a traverse (a stretch of water or its distance) by swimming. b compete in (a race) by swimming. c use (a particular stroke) in swimming. 3 intr. float on or at the surface of a liquid (bubbles swimming on the surface). 4 intr. appear to undulate or reel or whirl. 5 intr. have a dizzy effect or sensation (my head swam). 6 intr. (foll. by in, with) be flooded.
n. 1 a spell or the act of swimming. 2 a deep pool frequented by fish in a river. in the swim involved in or acquainted with what is going on. swim-bladder a gas-filled sac in fishes used to maintain buoyancy. swimming-bath (or -pool) an artificial indoor or outdoor pool for swimming. swimming-costume Brit. a garment worn for swimming. swimmable adj. swimmer n.
[ OE swimman f. Gmc ]