swim
verb (used without object)
to move in water by movements of the limbs, fins, tail, etc.
were 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.
Despite the situation, daily life appeared largely normal: some people were swimming, others shopping at the market or sitting at cafe terraces.
From Barron's ● May 10, 2026
Bennett is reported to have approached the computer scientist as they were swimming during a break to suggest the idea of developing a banknote that could never be forged.
From BBC ● Mar. 18, 2026
The fish — 6 years old and pretty big, as goldfish go — were swimming in a slurry of ash and debris.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 1, 2025
The morning shows and newsreels and college football games were swimming before my eyes.
From Slate ● Nov. 3, 2024
A group of fetterlings were swimming across the bay toward the Midfolk.
From "Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky" by Kwame Mbalia
