sea

American  

[see] / si /

noun

1. the salt waters that cover the greater part of the earth's surface.

2. a division of these waters, of considerable extent, more or less definitely marked off by land boundaries.

   the North Sea.

3. one of the seven seas; ocean.

4. a large lake or landlocked body of water.

5. the degree or amount of turbulence of the ocean or other body of water, as caused by the wind.

6. the waves.

7. a large wave.

   The heavy seas almost drowned us.

8. a widely extended, copious, or overwhelming quantity.

   a sea of faces; a sea of troubles.

   Synonyms:

   mass , abundance , host , multitude

9. the work, travel, and shipboard life of a sailor.

   The sea is a hard life but a rewarding one.

10. Astronomy.  mare.

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or adapted for use at sea.

idioms

1. at sea,  Also

   1. on the ocean.

   2. perplexed; uncertain.

      completely at sea as to how to answer the question.

2. go to sea,

   1. to set out on a voyage.

   2. to embark on a nautical career.

3. half seas over,  partly or completely drunk: Also

   They came home at dawn, looking half seas over.

4. put to sea,  to embark on a sea voyage: Also put out to sea.

   The expedition is nearly ready to put to sea.

5. follow the sea,  to pursue a nautical career.

   Many boys then dreamed of following the sea.

sea British  

/ siː /

noun

1. 1. the mass of salt water on the earth's surface as differentiated from the land

   2. ( as modifier )

      sea air

2. (capital when part of place name)

   1. one of the smaller areas of ocean

      the Irish Sea

   2. a large inland area of water

      the Caspian Sea

3. turbulence or swell, esp of considerable size

   heavy seas

4. (capital when part of a name) astronomy any of many huge dry plains on the surface of the moon See also mare 2

5. anything resembling the sea in size or apparent limitlessness

6. the life or career of a sailor (esp in the phrase follow the sea )

7. 1. on the ocean

   2. in a state of confusion

8. to become a sailor

9. to embark on a sea voyage

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sea Scientific  

/ sē /

1. The continuous body of salt water that covers most of the Earth's surface.

2. A region of water within an ocean and partly enclosed by land, such as the North Sea.

3. See Note at ocean

4. A large body of either fresh or salt water that is completely enclosed by land, such as the Caspian Sea.

5. Astronomy  A mare.

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sea More Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing sea

• at sea
• between a rock and a hard place (devil and the deep blue sea)
• high seas
• not the only fish in the sea
• put out (to sea)

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Etymology

Origin of sea

First recorded before 900; Middle English see, Old English sǣ; cognate with Dutch zee, German See, Old Norse sær “sea,” Gothic saiws “marsh”

Example Sentences

But Defence Minister Wellington Koo said Monday that sea trials were ongoing.

From Barron's

One of Russia's largest oil terminals halted operations on Saturday following an attack by sea drones.

From Barron's

Aid has been sent into affected areas by air and by sea, but some villages have yet to receive anything, and there are reports of people stealing food and water to survive.

From BBC

Tropical storm Koto killed three people and left another missing as it approached Vietnam, authorities said Sunday, as strong winds and high seas buffeted vessels off the country's flood-hit central coast.

From Barron's

High glaciers give it vital water reserves, a rarity in Central Asia, which is predominantly a desert region thousands of miles from the sea.

From Barron's

Related Words

• expanse
• lake
• ocean
• pond
• surf