Definition

1. Noun:

   • A pebbly or sandy shore, especially by the ocean between high- and low-water marks: A "beach" is a landform along the coast of an ocean, sea, or lake, typically consisting of loose particles such as sand, gravel, or pebbles.
   • A recreational area by the sea or a lake: "Beach" also commonly refers to such a shore used for leisure activities like swimming, sunbathing, or walking.

2. Verb:

   • To run or haul (a boat or ship) onto a shore: To "beach" means to deliberately bring a vessel out of the water onto land.
   • (Of a whale or similar animal) to become stranded on a shore: This verb can also describe a marine animal accidentally ending up on land.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • We spent the afternoon relaxing on the sandy beach.
  • The hotel is located right on the beach, with a beautiful view of the ocean.

• Verb:

  • The fishermen decided to beach their small boat to repair the hull.
  • The injured whale beached itself and required assistance to return to the water.

Advanced Usage

• "On the beach": This phrase can literally mean being on the shore. Figuratively, it can mean being retired from active duty (especially naval) or being unemployed.

  • After his tour ended, he was on the beach for a few months before finding a new job.

• "To hit the beach": (Informal) To go to the beach, often for recreation.

  • Let's hit the beach early to avoid the crowds.

Variants and Related Words

• Beachy (adj): Resembling or characteristic of a beach.

  • The room had a beachy decor with seashells and light colors.

• Beachfront (n/adj): (Land or property) facing or located directly on a beach.

  • They bought a beachfront property. (This is a compound word listed separately as a variant.)

• Beachcomber (n): A person who searches beaches for valuable or interesting items.

  • The beachcomber found an old bottle with a message inside.

Synonyms

• Shore: The land along the edge of a sea, lake, or other large body of water (a more general term).
• Strand: (Literary) A beach or shore, especially of a sea or ocean.
• Coast: The part of the land near the sea; the edge of the land (broader than beach).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Beach up: (Informal) To arrive at or spend time on a beach.
  • We're planning to beach up in Florida for our vacation.

Related Idioms

• Not the only pebble on the beach: Used to tell someone they are not as important or unique as they think.

  • He needs to realize he's not the only pebble on the beach; others can do the job too.

• A day at the beach: (Informal) Something that is very easy or enjoyable.

  • This new assignment is no day at the beach; it's really challenging.

Noun

1. an area of sand sloping down to the water of a sea or lake

Verb

1. land on a beach
   • the ship beached near the port