Definition

Noun: A swimming bath is a public building or facility containing a large pool of water designed for people to swim in. It is a term primarily used in British English.

Usage

The term is used to refer to the entire facility or building housing a swimming pool, especially a public one. It emphasizes the purpose-built nature of the place for swimming.

Examples

• The city council opened a new swimming bath in the town centre.
• As a child, I went to the swimming bath every Saturday morning for lessons.
• The old swimming bath was closed for renovations.

Advanced Usage

• The term can sometimes be used more formally or in an official context to denote public swimming facilities, contrasting with private pools (e.g., in a hotel or private home).

Variants and Related Words

• Swimming pool (noun): The more common and internationally understood term for a pool for swimming. "Swimming bath" is a synonym with regional specificity.
• Lido (noun): A British term for a public open-air swimming pool or a beach resort.
• Natatorium (noun): A formal or North American term for a building containing a swimming pool.

Synonyms

• Swimming pool
• Public baths (archaic)
• Aquatic centre (modern, often for larger facilities)

Notes on Meaning

• The core meaning is identical to "swimming pool." The distinction is entirely regional, with "swimming bath" being characteristic of British English.
• Historically, the term connects to the concept of "public baths," but in modern usage, it specifically denotes a facility for swimming and recreation.

Noun

1. pool that provides a facility for swimming
   • `swimming bath' is a British term