Search results for 'swim':

swim verb (swam, swum, swimming) 1 intrans to propel oneself through water by moving the arms and legs or (in fish) the tail and fins. 2 to cover (a distance) or cross (a stretch of water) in this way • swam the Channel. 3 to compete in (a race through water) by swimming. 4 to perform (a particular stroke) in swimming • swam breast stroke across the pool. 5 intrans to float. 6 intrans to be affected by dizziness • His head was swimming. 7 intrans to move or appear to move about in waves or whirls. 8 to cause to swim; to take by swimming • have to swim the horses across the river. noun 1 a spell of swimming. 2 the general flow of events. 3 a state of dizziness. 4 fishing a place or pool in a river, etc where fish are found. swimmable adj. swimmer noun. swimming noun. in the swim colloq up to date with, and often involved in, what is going on around one. swim with or against the stream or tide to conform to, or go against, normal behaviour, current opinions, etc.
ETYMOLOGY: Anglo-Saxon swimman.