# bathing

/ˈbeɪðɪŋ/ (US) · /bˈeɪðɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bathing
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. washing the body

noun · CEFR A2

the act of washing yourself in a bathtub.

For teachers: the act of immersing the body in water for the purpose of cleansing.

- The nurse assisted the elderly patient with his daily bathing.
- Regular bathing was not merely a matter of hygiene in the Victorian era but often a prescribed medical treatment for various ailments.

### 2. swimming for fun

noun · CEFR B1 · British English

swimming or playing in a lake, river, or the sea.

For teachers: recreational swimming or immersion in a natural body of water or a public pool.

- The red flag on the beach means that bathing is dangerous today.
- The local council prohibited bathing in the reservoir due to the unpredictable currents and the risk of contamination to the water supply.

Usage: often used in the compound 'bathing suit' or 'bathing beauty'.

Teaching tip: In modern British English, 'bathing' for swimming is slightly old-fashioned; 'swimming' is much more common today.

### 3. washing or covering

verb · CEFR B1

the action of washing someone or something, or covering it in light.

For teachers: the present participle of 'bathe', used for the act of washing or the figurative covering of a surface in light or liquid.

- She was bathing the baby in a small plastic tub on the counter.
- The setting sun was bathing the entire valley in a warm, golden glow that made the autumn leaves appear to be on fire.

## Examples

- The children enjoy bathing in the shallow pool.
- The coastal town became a popular destination for sea bathing during the Victorian era.
- Forest bathing is a modern practice that encourages people to spend quiet time in nature to reduce stress and improve mental well-being.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.