sand-bar

A sand-bar forms at the mouth of the wide river.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A ridge of sand: A "sand-bar" is a long, narrow ridge of sand that is formed in a river, estuary, or along a coast, often by the action of currents or tides. It is typically submerged at high tide and exposed at low tide.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The boat ran aground on a hidden sand-bar near the mouth of the river. (A ridge of sand that obstructed the vessel's path.)
  • At low tide, the children could walk out to the sand-bar and collect seashells. (An exposed ridge of sand accessible when the water level drops.)

Advanced Usage

• "to build a sand-bar": to form or accumulate a ridge of sand through natural processes.

  • The shifting currents slowly built a sand-bar across the estuary. (The movement of water created a ridge of sand over time.)

• "to be stranded on a sand-bar": to be stuck or left in place on such a ridge.

  • The fishing boat was stranded on a sand-bar for hours until the tide rose. (The vessel was unable to move because it was caught on the ridge.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sandbar (n): an alternative spelling of "sand-bar," often written as one word.

  • The sandbar provided a temporary resting place for migrating birds. (A ridge of sand used as a habitat.)

• Sandbank (n): a similar but often larger accumulation of sand, typically in a river or sea.

  • The ship avoided the sandbank by following the deep channel. (A larger sand deposit.)

Synonyms

• Shoal: a shallow area in a body of water, often formed by sand or mud.
  • The shoal was marked on the nautical chart to warn sailors. (A shallow region that can be dangerous to navigation.)
• Ridge: a long, narrow elevation of material, such as sand.
  • The ridge of sand extended for miles along the coast. (A raised line of sand.)

Related Idioms

• "to run aground on a sand-bar": to become stuck due to hitting a sand ridge.

  • The careless captain ran the ship aground on a sand-bar. (The vessel struck the ridge and could not move.)

• "to be high and dry on a sand-bar": to be left stranded, often after the tide recedes.

  • After the storm, the boat was left high and dry on a sand-bar. (The boat was completely exposed and stranded.)