Definition

Proper noun * The coastline of the Pacific Ocean: Specifically refers to the western coastal region of North America, bordering the Pacific Ocean. It is often used to describe the collective coastal areas of the U.S. states of California, Oregon, and Washington, and the Canadian province of British Columbia.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The Pacific Coast is known for its rugged cliffs and beautiful beaches.
  • They took a road trip along the entire Pacific Coast from Canada to Mexico.
  • Fog is common along the Pacific Coast in the summer months.

Advanced Usage

• "the Pacific Coast": When used with the definite article "the," it specifically denotes the North American coastline of the Pacific Ocean. It functions as a singular proper noun for a geographic region.
  • The climate of the Pacific Coast is generally mild.

Variants and Related Words

• Pacific Coast Highway (PCH): A famous scenic highway running along the coast of California.
  • Driving the Pacific Coast Highway is a popular tourist activity.
• West Coast: A broader term that can include the Pacific Coast states but also refers to the inland areas and cultural region.
• Pacific Rim: A much broader geopolitical term referring to countries and regions bordering the Pacific Ocean.

Synonyms

• Western seaboard (of North America)
• Pacific shoreline (of North America)

Notes on Meaning

This term is a proper noun referring to a specific geographic region. It is not typically used to describe any coastline of the Pacific Ocean globally (e.g., the coast of Chile or Japan). For those, more specific names (e.g., "the Chilean coast") or the general phrase "a coast of the Pacific Ocean" would be used.

Noun

1. a coast of the Pacific Ocean