Pronunciation: /trɛd ˈwɔtər/
noun a physical action or movement of keeping oneself afloat in water by moving the legs and arms in a controlled manner
A1 I saw a man treading water in the pool.
A2 The lifeguard taught us how to tread water in case of an emergency.
B1 Treading water is a useful skill to have when swimming in deep water.
B2 She was able to tread water for over an hour before help arrived.
C1 The athlete's incredible stamina allowed him to effortlessly tread water for long periods of time.
C2 The survival expert demonstrated various techniques for treading water in rough seas.
verb to stay afloat in water by moving the legs and arms in a controlled manner
A1 I can tread water for a few seconds.
A2 She learned how to tread water during her swimming lessons.
B1 In order to pass the lifeguard test, you must be able to tread water for at least 5 minutes.
B2 The swimmer was able to tread water effortlessly in the rough sea.
C1 Despite the strong currents, the experienced diver could tread water without any difficulty.
C2 The navy SEALs are trained to tread water for long periods of time as part of their rigorous training program.
formal The swimmer had to tread water for several minutes before help arrived.
informal I'm just trying to tread water until I finish this project.
slang I feel like I'm constantly treading water with all these deadlines.
figurative In order to survive in the competitive job market, you have to learn how to tread water and stay afloat.
treaded
tread water
more tread water
most tread water
tread water
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have treaded water
is treading water
treads water
tread water
to tread water
treading water
treading water