seashore

American  

[see-shawr, -shohr] / ˈsiˌʃɔr, -ˌʃoʊr /

noun

1. land along the sea or ocean.

2. Law. the ground between the ordinary high-water and low-water marks.

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seashore British  

/ ˈsiːˌʃɔː /

noun

1. land bordering on the sea

2. the land between the marks of high and low water

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Etymology

Origin of seashore

First recorded in 1520–30; sea + shore ¹

Explanation

The seashore is the land that borders an ocean or sea. She sells seashells on the seashore because that’s where the shells are, on the beach. Now say the whole thing three times fast. You can call the seashore the coast, the beach, or even just the shore. It's the area right next to the sea, and it can be rocky and dramatic or soft and sandy. Sometimes scientists use this word to mean the specific area that's covered with water at high tide but uncovered at low tide. This area is also known as the intertidal zone.

Example Sentences

The dream persisted, and in 1962, thanks to a boost from President Kennedy, the Point Reyes National Seashore was authorized, with land purchases continuing through the early 1970s.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2025

In November, a hiker was traversing the coastal terrain of California’s Point Reyes National Seashore when he came across an unusual sight: a ghostly badger padding down the trail.

From National Geographic • Feb. 12, 2024

Two wildlife biologists with the National Park Service saw a male elephant seal saving a young pup from drowning at Point Reyes National Seashore in an unlikely altruistic act.

From New York Times • Feb. 8, 2024

Cape Hatteras National Seashore said more than 100 cold-stunned sea turtles were also found in recent days along the shoreline between Bodie Island and Ocracoke.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 25, 2024

Note: A Drama on the Seashore is also known as A Seaside Tragedy and is referred to by that title in other addendums.

From A Drama on the Seashore by Wormeley, Katharine Prescott