nage

Nage is a term with multiple uses in different linguistic and cultural contexts. In French, nage means swimming and can denote either the act of swimming or a session of swimming in a pool or open water. In sports terminology, the word appears in phrases describing swimming styles, such as nage libre (freestyle), nage dos (backstroke), nage poitrine (breaststroke), and nage papillon (butterfly). The term derives from Old French and ultimately from Latin natare, meaning to swim.

Beyond its basic meaning, nage can function as a proper noun in various settings. It may be found as a surname in some cultures and as a toponym or geographic name in certain regions, though the specifics depend on local language and history. In English-language writing, nage is typically encountered only in discussions of French-language swimming terminology or in names and references drawn from other contexts.

Because nage is tied to language and usage, its interpretation is context-dependent. When encountered in text, it is usually clear from surrounding terms whether nage refers to the activity of swimming, a specific swimming style, or a proper noun such as a name or place. In summary, nage is primarily a French word for swimming with additional uses as a surname or place name in some regions.