Coastal: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe areas located near the coast or relating to the coast.

• They decided to build a house in a coastal region.
• Coastal cities often have mild climates.

Often used when talking about places where people go for holidays or recreation by the sea.

• They spent their summer vacation at a seaside resort.
• The children enjoyed playing on the seaside.

Refers to the line where the land meets the water, often emphasizing the border rather than the area.

• They walked along the shoreline collecting shells.
• The development project will affect the natural shoreline.

A more technical term, often used in scientific or military contexts to describe areas near the shore, especially the intertidal zone.

• The littoral zone is rich in marine biodiversity.
• They conducted a study on the littoral forces affecting the region.