What does natation mean?
Natation is a formal or literary noun meaning swimming, either simply the activity of moving through water or the skill and practice involved in doing so. It can refer to recreational swimming, competitive aquatic activity, or swimming as physical training. Because the word sounds learned and somewhat old-fashioned, it is much less common than the everyday word “swimming,” but it remains useful in formal writing about sport, education, physiology, or the history of aquatic activities. In a sentence, “regular natation” suggests disciplined practice, while “the art of natation” has a traditional or literary tone. The word comes through French from Latin, where its family was associated with swimming and bodies of water. Its unusual character makes it particularly suitable for elevated prose, captions, and historical or educational contexts where a more formal vocabulary is appropriate.
nounThe act or art of swimming; swimming as a form of physical activity or exercise. The word is chiefly literary or formal and is now uncommon in ordinary use.
- The act or skill of swimming.
- Swimming considered as an activity, sport, or form of exercise.
"The guide described the pool as a place for quiet natation before the busy afternoon session."
"Regular natation improved his strength and coordination."
"The textbook's final chapter examines the history of natation."
The plural is grammatically regular but rarely used because the word itself is uncommon.
"The programme offered lessons in different forms of natation."
From the same Latin root meaning “to swim,” natation belongs to a family of words associated with pools, lakes, and water.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does natation come from?
Natation comes from Latin natatio, a noun meaning “swimming” or “the act of swimming,” derived from nare, “to swim.” It entered English through French in the 16th century. Related Latin-derived forms include natatory, “serving for swimming,” and natatorium, a building or place used for swimming.
How natation is actually used
Natation is formal and literary rather than everyday. In modern general English, “swimming” is normally preferred.
Easily confused with natation
Natation means swimming, whereas navigation means the planning or control of a journey by sea, air, or other routes.