bather
UK: ˈbeɪðə | US: ˈbeɪðər
n. a person who bathes, especially in the sea, a river, or a pool
bather = bath<to wash the body> + er<one who does>
- bath: From Old English bæð ("immersing in water"), related to cleansing or washing the body.
- er: Agent noun suffix in English, indicating "a person who performs the action."
Etymology Origin:
The word "bather" combines the Old English root bath, referring to the act of washing or soaking, with the agentive suffix -er, which turns verbs into nouns denoting people who perform the action. Historically, "bath" evolved from Proto-Germanic baþą, linked to warmth and cleansing. The addition of -er (a productive suffix in English) creates a straightforward term for someone who bathes, often recreationally.
The beach was crowded with bathers enjoying the summer sun.
As a frequent bather, she loved visiting natural hot springs.
The lifeguard warned the bathers about strong currents.
Victorian bathers often used bathing machines for modesty.
Early morning bathers prefer the calmness of the ocean at dawn.