1swim 
/ˈswɪm/ verb
swims; swam /ˈswɪm/ verb /ˈswæm/; swum /ˈswʌm/; swim·ming 1 a [no obj] : to move through water by moving your arms and legs
▪ He's teaching the children to swim. ▪ She swam across the pool. ▪ I can't swim. ▪ He swam (for) almost a mile. — see also swimming
b [+ obj] : to move through or across (an area of water) by swimming
▪ He swam the English Channel.
c [+ obj] : to swim by using (a specified method)
▪ The racers must swim the backstroke.
d [no obj] of a fish, bird, etc. : to move through or over water
▪ We watched the fish swimming in the river. ▪ Ducks swam in/on the pond. 2 [no obj] : to be completely covered with a liquid — usually used as (be) swimming in ▪ The potatoes were swimming in butter/gravy. 3 [no obj] a : to feel dizzy or unable to think clearly because you are sick, confused, etc.
▪ I felt weak and my head was swimming. ▪ All the facts and figures he was reciting were starting to make my head swim. [=starting to make me feel confused, unable to think clearly, etc.]
b of something you are looking at : to seem to be moving around because you are tired, sick, etc.
▪ The room swam before my eyes.
▪ He's teaching the children to swim. ▪ She swam across the pool. ▪ I can't swim. ▪ He swam (for) almost a mile. — see also swimming
b [+ obj] : to move through or across (an area of water) by swimming
▪ He swam the English Channel.
c [+ obj] : to swim by using (a specified method)
▪ The racers must swim the backstroke.
d [no obj] of a fish, bird, etc. : to move through or over water
▪ We watched the fish swimming in the river. ▪ Ducks swam in/on the pond.
▪ I felt weak and my head was swimming. ▪ All the facts and figures he was reciting were starting to make my head swim. [=starting to make me feel confused, unable to think clearly, etc.]
b of something you are looking at : to seem to be moving around because you are tired, sick, etc.
▪ The room swam before my eyes.
sink or swim — see 1sink
swim with/against the tide — see 1tide
