IPA: /swɪm/
KK: /swɪm/
To move through water using your arms and legs, or fins, in a way that allows you to stay afloat and propel yourself forward.
I love to swim in the ocean during the summer.
Past: swam
Past Participle: swum
A period of time spent moving through water using your arms and legs.
I went for a swim in the lake this afternoon.
To move through water by using your arms and legs, or to make something float in water.
He can swim across the lake in just a few minutes.
Past: swam
Past Participle: swum
The word 'swim' originates from Old English 'swimman', meaning to move through water. It does not have clear Latin or Greek roots but is derived from Germanic languages, where similar forms exist.
Imagine moving through water, as 'swim' comes from the Old English word for that very action.