Definition

Noun: The outline or shape of a coast; the boundary where land meets the sea or ocean. It refers to the physical form and contour of the shore as seen from the water or on a map.

Usage

The word "coastline" is used to describe the geographical feature of a shore. It is a singular, countable noun. It often appears in contexts discussing geography, environmental science, tourism, and geology.

Examples

• The country's rugged coastline is famous for its dramatic cliffs and hidden coves.
• Erosion is causing significant changes to the coastline.
• The map clearly shows the intricate coastline of the fjord.
• They sailed along the entire western coastline of the island.

Advanced Usage

• "To map a coastline": To chart or record the precise outline of a coast.
  • Early explorers worked to map the continent's unknown coastline.
• "Coastline management": The planning and policies used to protect and develop coastal areas.
  • The government is investing in sustainable coastline management.

Variants and Related Words

• Coastal (adjective): Relating to or located near a coast.
  • Coastal towns are often popular tourist destinations.
• Shoreline (noun): The line along which a body of water meets the land. This is often used interchangeably with "coastline," though "shoreline" can apply to lakes and rivers, while "coastline" specifically refers to seas and oceans.

Synonyms

• Shore: The land along the edge of a sea, lake, or river.
• Seaboard: A region bordering the sea; the coastline.
• Littoral: (Technical) Relating to or situated on the shore of the sea or a lake.

Antonyms

• Interior: The inland part of a country or region, away from the coast.
• Hinterland: The remote areas of a country, away from the coast or the banks of major rivers.

Noun

1. the outline of a coast