natation

Everyday

1. (formal, rare) Natation is the act or art of swimming. tree →
2. (French) «La natation» is the ordinary French word for swimming as a sport or school subject; said «nah-tah-SYON» to an English ear. tree →

In the lessons

In English, natation is a very rare, old, formal word, so you will mostly meet it in French lessons and on signs in French-speaking places like France, Quebec or Belgium: «piscine» (pool), «cours de natation» (swimming lessons). In science, «natatorial» describes animals that swim. Common phrases: «la natation», «cours de natation», «natation synchronisée».

Examples

• In French, «la natation» means swimming. tree →
• My cousin in Quebec has «cours de natation» every Saturday. tree →
• Natation is a fancy old English word for swimming. tree →
• The sign at the French campsite said «Natation interdite» — no swimming. tree →
• Our French teacher asked, «Tu aimes la natation?». tree →
• The old book described natation as a healthy exercise. tree →

Note

In everyday English, say «swimming», not «natation». In French it is feminine: «la natation». Related English words: «natatorium» (US: indoor swimming pool).