sea level
Americannoun
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sea levels
plural
noun
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The level of the ocean's surface. Sea level at a particular location changes regularly with the tides and irregularly due to conditions such as wind and currents. Other factors that contribute to such fluctuation include water temperature and salinity, air pressure, seasonal changes, the amount of stream runoff, and the amount of water that is stored as ice or snow.
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◆ The reference point used as a standard for determining terrestrial and atmospheric elevation or ocean depths is called the mean sea level and is calculated as the average of hourly tide levels measured by mechanical tide gauges over extended periods of time.
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of sea level
First recorded in 1800–10
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Where Michael Stuut lives in the Netherlands is below sea level.
From BBC ● Oct. 31, 2026
Closer to town, you’ll find Enchanted Rock, a spectacular pink granite dome rising 1,825 feet above sea level.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 29, 2026
The updated projections suggest that scientists may have underestimated the contribution Thwaites Glacier will make to future sea level rise.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 28, 2026
Griggs was featured in Xia’s award-winning book “California Against the Sea: Visions for Our Vanishing Coastline,” which explores the impact of sea level rise and community responses that range from denial to respectful intervention.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 17, 2026
Other former atolls, such as Henderson and Rennell, have been lifted far above sea level to constitute raised limestone islands.
From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond
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