I. ˈswim verb
( swam ˈswam ; swum ˈswəm ; swim·ming )
Etymology: Middle English swimmen, from Old English swimman; akin to Old High German swimman to swim
Date: before 12th century
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
II. noun
Date: 1599
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
III. adjective
Date: 1924
: of, relating to, or used in or for swimming
a swim meet