Definition

1. Adverb:

   • Along or following the coastline: Moving or situated in a direction that parallels the shore.
   • By way of the coast: Traveling via a route that is near or along the sea coast.

2. Adjective:

   • Situated, moving, or operating along a coast: Pertaining to something that exists or happens by the coast.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:

  • The ship sailed coastwise from Boston to Charleston. (The ship traveled by following the coastline.)
  • We decided to drive coastwise to enjoy the ocean views. (We chose to drive along the coast.)

• Adjective:

  • The coastwise trade was vital for supplying the island communities. (The trade conducted along the coast was essential.)
  • Coastwise winds can be strong and unpredictable. (Winds that blow along the coastline.)

Advanced Usage

• "coastwise navigation": The act of sailing a ship along the coast, typically within sight of land, as opposed to open-ocean (blue water) navigation.
  • Early explorers often relied on coastwise navigation.
• Used to specify a type of shipping or transport route.
  • The law regulated coastwise traffic.

Variants and Related Words

• Coastal (adj): Relating to or near a coast.
  • coastal erosion
• Coastline (n): The outline or shape of a coast.
  • a rugged coastline

Synonyms

• Alongshore: Along the shore or coast.
• Coastal: Of or near a coast.

Related Phrases

• Coastwise trade: Commerce or transportation of goods between ports along the same coast.
• Coastwise pilot: A mariner with specialized knowledge of a particular coastal area for navigating ships.

Adjective

1. along or following a coast
   • coastal shipping
   • coastwise winds contributed to the storm

Adverb

1. by way of, or along the coast
   • we were travelling coastwise