Swimming: meaning, definitions and examples

Engaging in the activity of moving through water using limbs, usually for exercise, competition, or recreation.

• She loves swimming in the pool every morning
• The competition includes different styles of swimming like freestyle and butterfly

The act of washing oneself or soaking in water, usually in a bathtub; also refers to swimming leisurely in natural water bodies.

• He enjoyed bathing in the warm sea during his vacation
• She bathed her baby in the evening

Jumping or plunging headfirst into water, often as a sport or recreational activity that can include underwater exploration.

• He took diving lessons to explore the coral reefs
• The competition also had a diving segment where athletes showed off their skills

Resting or moving on the surface of water without making any significant effort to swim or move.

• She lay floating on her back, looking up at the sky
• The buoy kept floating on the surface of the water

Swimming is best used when talking about moving through water for exercise, sport, or recreation.

• She loves swimming in the pool every morning
• The swimming competition will start at 10 AM

Bathing refers to washing oneself in water, typically in a bathtub, for hygiene. It can also mean soaking in water for relaxation.

• The baby enjoys bathing before bed
• She finds bathing with essential oils very relaxing

Diving is used when someone jumps or plunges into water, often headfirst. It can also refer to underwater exploration or the sport of diving.

• He took a deep breath before diving into the lake
• Scuba diving in the coral reef was an unforgettable experience

Floating is suitable for describing the act of resting or staying on the surface of the water without swimming.

• She lay back and enjoyed floating on the calm sea
• The leaf was floating gently down the stream

This word is appropriate for general activities in water including sports or recreational activities where one moves through water by making strokes with the arms and legs.

• She enjoys swimming in the community pool every morning for exercise

This term is commonly used to describe washing oneself in water. It can also refer to relaxing or recreational activities in water, usually in a bathtub or shallow water.

• He enjoys bathing in the hot tub after a long day at work

This word is used when referring to jumping or plunging into water, often headfirst. It can also refer to underwater swimming typically involving specialized equipment.

• She went diving in the coral reefs during her vacation and saw many colorful fish

This word describes resting or staying on the surface of the water without sinking. It often involves little active movement.

• They spent the afternoon floating on their backs in the lake, enjoying the sunshine