natation

American  

[ney-tey-shuhn, na-] / neɪˈteɪ ʃən, næ- /

noun

1. an act or the skill of swimming.

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natation British  

/ nəˈteɪʃən /

noun

1. a formal or literary word for swimming See swimming

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• natational
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of natation

1535–45; < Latin natātiōn- (stem of natātiō ), equivalent to natāt ( us ) (past participle of natāre to swim) + -iōn- -ion

Explanation

Is your favorite activity at summer camp archery, arts and crafts, or natation? Natation simply means "the act of swimming." If you want to get really fancy, use this word in its two adjective forms: invite friends to swim in your pool by suggesting a "natatorial adventure"? Or refer to your bathing suit as "natatory attire." Although it sounds academic, natation is the simple act of swimming or floating.

Example Sentences

Il pratique la natation et est végétarien – c’est la seule cause qu’il intègre dans son travail.

From New York Times • Feb. 12, 2023

Hit this north Scottsdale natation nirvana that features two heated 25-meter pools boasting approximately 20 lanes.

From Newsweek

"A poor country for the land-owners!" said Joe, once more vigorously resorting to his skill in the art of natation.

From Five Weeks in a Balloon by Verne, Jules

But, even as many sailors cannot swim a stroke, so many an inlander, born and brought up within sight of fresh water, has never taken the trouble to grasp the simplest rudiments of natation.

From Further Adventures of Lad by Terhune, Albert Payson

For them it is necessary for accuracy of natation that their soft, and in the squids long bodies, should be supported by such a framework as they possess.

From Sea Monsters Unmasked and Sea Fables Explained by Lee, H. W. (Henry William)