Definition

Proper noun A major artificial waterway in Egypt, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, providing a crucial maritime shortcut between Europe and Asia.

Usage

The term "Suez Canal" is used as a singular proper noun to refer specifically to this geographic feature and the entity that manages it. * The Suez Canal is one of the world's most important shipping lanes. * Global trade was affected when a ship blocked the Suez Canal. * The Suez Canal Authority announced new transit fees.

Advanced Usage

• "The Suez": A common shortened, informal reference to the canal.
  • The tanker is scheduled to transit the Suez next week.
• Used in geopolitical and economic contexts to discuss global trade, logistics, and regional influence.
  • Control of the Suez Canal has been a strategic priority for centuries.

Variants and Related Words

• Suez Canal Authority (SCA): The Egyptian state-owned authority that operates and maintains the canal.
• Suezmax: A naval architecture term for the largest ship measurements capable of transiting the canal.
• Canal: (Noun) An artificial waterway constructed for navigation, irrigation, or drainage. The Suez Canal is a specific instance of a canal.

Synonyms

• Ship canal: A canal large enough for seagoing vessels.
• Maritime shortcut: A descriptive phrase for its function.
• Waterway: A general term for a navigable route for boats and ships.

Related Phrases

• Transit the Suez Canal: The formal phrase for a ship passing through it.
  • It takes approximately 12-16 hours to transit the Suez Canal.
• Suez Canal blockage/closure: Refers to incidents where traffic through the canal is halted.
• Via the Suez Canal: Indicating the route taken.
  • The goods were shipped from Shanghai to Rotterdam via the Suez Canal.

Noun

1. a ship canal in northeastern Egypt linking the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea