Shoreline: meaning, definitions and examples

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shoreline

 

[ ˈʃɔːr.laɪn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

along the coast

The shoreline is the line where the sea meets the land. It is the boundary between the water and the shore. The shoreline can vary in appearance, from sandy beaches to rocky cliffs.

Synonyms

coastline, seashore, water's edge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shoreline

Use when talking about the boundary where land meets a body of water. It is often used in geographical terms or when discussing environmental topics.

  • The team studied the erosion patterns along the shoreline.
  • There are many beautiful houses built along the shoreline.
coastline

Use when referring to the general outline or shape where the land meets the sea. This term is frequently used in a broader sense, covering larger areas.

  • The west coastline of the country is famous for its dramatic cliffs.
  • Conservationists are working to protect the fragile coastline from pollution.
seashore

This term is commonly used to describe the sandy or rocky area directly adjacent to the ocean. It's often used in a more casual or recreational context.

  • We are planning a picnic on the seashore this weekend.
  • Children love to collect seashells on the seashore.
water's edge

This phrase emphasizes the immediate boundary between land and water. It’s often used in a poetic or descriptive sense, suitable for literature or casual speech.

  • They sat at the water's edge, watching the sunset.
  • The ducks were swimming close to the water's edge.

Examples of usage

  • The children played in the sand at the shoreline.
  • The waves crashed against the shoreline.
  • The shoreline is an important habitat for many marine animals.

Translations

Translations of the word "shoreline" in other languages:

🇵🇹 linha da costa

🇮🇳 तटरेखा

🇩🇪 Küstenlinie

🇮🇩 garis pantai

🇺🇦 берегова лінія

🇵🇱 linia brzegowa

🇯🇵 海岸線

🇫🇷 ligne de côte

🇪🇸 línea de costa

🇹🇷 sahil şeridi

🇰🇷 해안선

🇸🇦 خط الساحل

🇨🇿 pobřežní linie

🇸🇰 pobrežná čiara

🇨🇳 海岸线

🇸🇮 obala

🇮🇸 strandlína

🇰🇿 жағалау сызығы

🇬🇪 სანაპირო ზოლი

🇦🇿 sahil xətti

🇲🇽 línea de costa

Etymology

The word 'shoreline' originated in the early 19th century. It is a combination of the words 'shore' and 'line', referring to the line where the shore meets the water. The concept of a shoreline has been important throughout history, as it marks the boundary between land and sea, influencing human settlement patterns and natural habitats.

See also: foreshore, seashore, shore, shorebird.