tread water
phrase
: to keep the body nearly upright in the water and the head above water by a treading motion of the feet usually aided by the hands
Examples of tread water in a Sentence
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Turn to face the shore, tread water, and signal for help by calling out or waving your arms.
—
Nc Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
1 July 2026
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Nc Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
1 July 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tread water.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tread%20water. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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