Beach

Definition

Beach can function as a noun or a verb. As a noun, it refers to a sandy or pebbly shore along a body of water, such as an ocean, sea, lake, or river, often used for recreation. As a verb, it means to bring or come ashore or onto a beach.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /biːtʃ/
• Respelling: beech

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /biːtʃ/
• Respelling: beech

Etymology

The word "beach" originates from the Middle English "beche," referring to loose, pebbly terrain. Its meaning evolved over time to specifically refer to the shore of a body of water, especially one composed of sand or pebbles, and entered common English usage in the 16th century.

Derivatives

• Beachfront (noun/adjective)
• Beachside (noun/adjective)
• Beached (verb, past tense)
• Beachgoer (noun)
• Beachy (adjective)

Synonyms

• Shore
• Coast
• Seashore

Antonyms

• Mountain
• Desert
• Forest

Usage

The noun "beach" is commonly used to describe a shoreline area used for recreation or relaxation. For example, "They spent the day at the beach." As a verb, it is used to describe bringing a boat or marine animal ashore, as in "The boat was accidentally beached."

Related Terms

• Shoreline: The boundary where the land meets a body of water.
• Dune: A mound or ridge of sand, often found on beaches.
• Tide: The regular rise and fall of the sea level along a coast.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A sandy or pebbly shore along a body of water: Refers to the stretch of sand or pebbles along the edge of the sea, lake, or river, often frequented for leisure activities.
  • Example: "The family visited the beach on their vacation."

Verb

• To bring or come ashore: Describes the act of moving a boat or marine animal onto the shore.
  • Example: "The sailors beached the boat after their journey."