Definition

Proper noun: * A major inlet of the North Pacific Ocean: Puget Sound is a deep, complex system of interconnected marine waterways and basins located in the northwestern part of the U.S. state of Washington. It is a glacially-carved fjord estuary system.

Usage

• As a geographical location: The term is used to refer to the specific body of water, its surrounding region, and the communities located along its shores.
  • The city of Seattle is located on Puget Sound.
  • Ferries are a common mode of transportation across Puget Sound.
  • The health of the salmon population in Puget Sound is a major concern.

Advanced Usage

• "Puget Sound region": Refers to the broader metropolitan and geographical area surrounding the sound, including cities like Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, and Olympia.
  • The Puget Sound region is known for its technology industry and natural beauty.

Variants and Related Words

• Sound (n.): A large sea or ocean inlet larger than a bay, deeper than a bight, and wider than a fjord. Puget Sound is a specific instance of this geographical feature.

Synonyms

• Inlet
• Estuary (specifically referring to the area where freshwater from rivers mixes with saltwater from the ocean)
• Waterway

Related Phrases

• "Inside the Sound": Refers to being within the protected waters of Puget Sound, as opposed to the open Pacific Ocean.
  • The sailboat stayed inside the Sound to avoid the rough ocean swell.
• "Shoreline of Puget Sound": Specifically denotes the land bordering the water.
  • Many homes have views of the shoreline of Puget Sound.

Noun

1. an inlet of the North Pacific in northwestern Washington State