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.
Morgan said he was swimming near Trefin Beach in Pembrokeshire when he spotted the tentacles in the water.
From BBC ● Sep. 14, 2026
The team created a new experimental system in which one fish watched and responded to another fish that was swimming nearby.
From Science Daily ● Jun. 2, 2026
Laid on the comforter, he rolled on his back and pumped his little legs with glee like he was swimming.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 14, 2026
The woman was swimming with a group when a witness reported seeing a “large splash” that prompted the group to all come to shore, Pacific Grove Police Commander Brian Anderson told SFGate.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 22, 2025
By Thursday morning, when Jeff was still at it with his “Cobra, Cobraman, oh, yeah,” a thought was beginning to grow inside me, as if it was swimming up from somewhere deep down.
From "Firegirl" by Tony Abbott
