high sea

American  

[hahy see] / ˈhaɪ ˈsi /

noun

1. the sea or ocean beyond the three-mile limit or territorial waters of a state or nation.

2. Usually high seas.

   1. the open, unenclosed waters of any sea or ocean; common waterway.

      The book was inspired by her own adventures on the high seas.

      Maritime pollution on the high seas is becoming a matter of grave consequence for coastal communities.

   2. Law. the area within which transactions are subject to the jurisdiction of the admiralty court.

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Other Word Forms

• high-sea
  adjective

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Etymology

Origin of high sea

First recorded before 1100

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

high sea

An already warming climate, paired with unusually high sea temperatures around the UK, will also contribute to above-average temperatures.

From BBC ● Sep. 11, 2026

“That combination — high waves, high sea levels, high tides, and ... high rainfall will contribute to considerable coastal flooding, intrusion of salt water into the groundwater, and coastal erosion,” Merrifield said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 10, 2026

"Gus" lived during the Maastrichtian period, some 72 to 66 million years ago, which was characterized by a warm climate, high sea levels and vast floodable coastal plains.

From Barron's ● Jul. 1, 2026

Using peer-reviewed research, these visual projections show how the climate and energy choices we make this decade will influence how high sea levels rise in the future.

From National Geographic ● Jan. 16, 2024

Was help for the Redcoats on the high sea, heading for Boston?

From "George Washington, Spymaster" by Thomas B. Allen

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