high seas

British  

plural noun

1. (sometimes singular) the open seas of the world, outside the jurisdiction of any one nation

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high seas Idioms  

1. Open waters of an ocean or sea, beyond the territorial jurisdiction of a country. For example, Commercial fishermen are being forced to go out on the high seas in order to make a living. [c. 1100]

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Example Sentences

That Fastnet was a harrowing, heartbreaking one, as high seas from a late summer storm broke apart boats and capsized crews.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

But, they’re committed on the high seas, so to the extent there’s jurisdiction at all, this falls under the authority of federal district court or federal military tribunals.

From Slate • Apr. 16, 2026

All this comes at a time when more people are sailing the high seas than ever before, according to Cruise Lines International Association, the industry trade group.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

He was also the new owner of a sleek $70 million yacht that some law enforcement officials worried he might use to escape on the high seas.

From Salon • Jan. 23, 2026

If I survived my apprenticeship as a high seas animal trainer, it was because Richard Parker did not really want to attack me.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel