swimming
UK: ˈswɪmɪŋ | US: ˈswɪmɪŋ
n. the act or sport of moving through water by using the limbs
v. (present participle of swim) to propel oneself through water using bodily movements
The word swimming derives from the Old English swimman, meaning "to move in water." The suffix -ing is a productive English morpheme used to form present participles (verb) or gerunds (noun). The root swim has retained its core meaning across centuries, while -ing adapts it to function as a noun (e.g., "Swimming is fun") or a verb (e.g., "She is swimming"). The combination reflects a straightforward evolution from action to activity.
Swimming is an excellent full-body workout.
The children were swimming in the lake all afternoon.
She won a gold medal in competitive swimming.
Avoid swimming after eating a heavy meal.
The hotel has a swimming pool overlooking the ocean.