low tide

American  

noun

1. the tide at the point of maximum ebb.

2. the time of low water.

3. the lowest point of decline of anything.

   His spirits were at low tide.

---

low tide British  

noun

1. the tide when it is at its lowest level or the time at which it reaches this

2. a lowest point

---

low tide Scientific  

1. The tide at its lowest level at a particular time and place. The lowest tides reached under normal meteorological conditions (the spring tides) take place when the Moon and Sun are directly aligned with respect to Earth. Low tides are less extreme when the Moon and Sun are at right angles (the neap tides). Storms and other meteorological conditions can greatly affect the height of the tides as well.

2. See more at tide

3. The time at which a low tide occurs.

---

Etymology

Origin of low tide

First recorded in 1860–65

Compare meaning

How does low-tide compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• high tide vs. low tide

Example Sentences

Low tide had exposed reefs and boulders, which they navigated ever so slowly, hoping to disguise themselves as floating rubbish on the radars. 

From BBC • Dec. 5, 2023

Low tide would expose acres and acres of coastal wetlands, revealing an abundance of mussels, clams and crabs.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 16, 2022

Low tide today is 11:19, meaning we’re in the danger zone, the 30 minutes before the ocean bottoms out, when the swells are most savage.

From Slate • Nov. 14, 2016

Low tide lends a ghostly appearance to cedar trees in Neskowin, Oregon.

From National Geographic • Apr. 22, 2016

Low tide smells mud-black and tangy, but high tide smells clean and salty.

From "Rules" by Cynthia Lord