beach
/bi:tʃ/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
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.
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
- an area of sand sloping down to the water of a sea or lake
Verb
- land on a beach
- the ship beached near the port