noun
Uncommon
bathing
BAY-thihng
Bathing (noun) means the activity of taking a bath or swimming. Example: “No bathing is allowed in this part of the lake.”
noun
1
The activity of taking a bath or swimming.
"No bathing is allowed in this part of the lake."
"Bathing in the cold sea is good for you, according to my uncle."
"Bathing the baby before bed helps her sleep."
How to use bathing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe act of washing in a bath or swimming in open water.
Common pairings
bathing suit
sea bathing
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Word forms
- Plural
- bathings
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
No _____ is allowed in this part of the lake.
Etymology
From bathe + -ing.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for bathing
See all rhymes for bathing →Frequently asked questions
What does “bathing” mean?
The word “bathing” means the activity of taking a bath or swimming. In plain terms, the act of washing in a bath or swimming in open water.
How do you pronounce “bathing”?
“Bathing” is pronounced BAY-thihng (/ˈbeɪˌðɪŋ(ɡ)/ in IPA).
How do you use “bathing” in a sentence?
Here is “bathing” used in a sentence: “No bathing is allowed in this part of the lake.”
What part of speech is “bathing”?
“Bathing” is a noun.
Is “bathing” a common word?
“Bathing” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between "bathing" and "swimming"?
"Bathing" can refer broadly to taking a bath or being in water for washing or leisure, while "swimming" specifically means propelling oneself through water using strokes. In British English, "bathing" is often used for recreational time in the sea or a pool, such as "sea bathing," even when little actual swimming occurs.
Is "bathing" a formal or old-fashioned word?
"Bathing" sounds slightly more formal or traditional than everyday alternatives like "having a bath" or "going for a swim." It survives in set phrases such as "bathing suit" and "bathing costume," which are more common in British English than American English.
What is a "bathing suit" or "bathing costume"?
Both terms refer to clothing worn for swimming or bathing, with "bathing suit" more common in American English and "bathing costume" more typical of older or British usage. Both derive from the noun "bathing," meaning the activity of taking a bath or swimming.
