Definition

Noun: A swimming hole is a natural, small body of water, typically found in a creek, river, or pond, that is deep enough and suitable for swimming. It is often a popular spot for recreation in rural or natural settings.

Usage

The term "swimming hole" is used to describe a specific, often locally known, natural swimming spot. It emphasizes a rustic, informal setting as opposed to a constructed pool or a designated beach. * We cooled off at the old swimming hole behind the farm. * The guidebook pointed us to a secluded swimming hole in the forest.

Examples

• The children spent the entire afternoon jumping into the swimming hole.
• After hiking for miles, finding a clear swimming hole was a wonderful reward.
• That bend in the river creates the perfect swimming hole.

Advanced Usage

• "To have/own the swimming hole": Used figuratively to suggest having dominance or exclusive enjoyment of a local resource or situation.
  • With his main competitor gone, he now owns the swimming hole in the local tech market.

Variants and Related Words

• Swimhole (noun): A less common variant with the same meaning.
• Watering hole (noun): Primarily refers to a source of water for animals, but can be used informally for a place where people gather to drink socially. It is not a direct synonym for "swimming hole."

Synonyms

• Swimming spot: A more general term for any place suitable for swimming.
• Water hole: Can be similar but often implies a smaller or shallower natural depression containing water, not necessarily for swimming.

Antonyms

• Swimming pool: A man-made, constructed facility for swimming.
• Beach: A sandy or pebbly shore by a body of water, especially an ocean.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• A dip in the swimming hole: Refers to the act of swimming briefly in a swimming hole.
  • Let's take a quick dip in the swimming hole before we head back.

Noun

1. a small body of water (usually in a creek) that is deep enough to use for swimming