swim
verb (used without object)
to move in water by movements of the limbs, fins, tail, etc.
was swimming
-
past progressiveof swim.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Stefan said he initially thought the toddler was swimming, before the reality "clicked" and he jumped in and pulled the him out.
From BBC ● Jul. 8, 2026
The San Clemente couple was swimming in the pool when they heard screaming down from the beach.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 30, 2026
At the time, it was swimming in a lively group of nine adult whales.
From Science Daily ● May 20, 2026
In 1749, Brook Watson, a 14-year-old English youth serving on a merchant ship, was swimming in Havana harbor when he was attacked by a shark.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 22, 2025
Later that night as my head was swimming with news reports and questions about whether or not to go back to Central Fligh, I wrote in my diary: Everything in my life is so new.
From "Warriors Don't Cry: A Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock's Central High" by Melba Pattillo Beals
