Definition

A person who does not know how to swim or is unable to swim.

Example

At the beach, I noticed a few nonswimmers who were hesitant to enter the water.

Conversation

Are you going to the pool party this weekend?

I might, but I'm a bit of a nonswimmer you know.

Oh, come on! You can still have fun without swimming.

True, I guess I can just relax by the pool instead.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Nonswimmer is formed from "non-" (meaning not) and "swimmer" (from Old English "swimman", meaning to swim). The word describes a person who does not swim.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('non-') being added to 'swimmer' — this helps you remember that a nonswimmer is someone who does not swim.

Visually Confused Words