Beach

/biːtʃ/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A pebbly or sandy shore, especially by the ocean between high- and low-water marks.
We spent the afternoon lounging on the beach and soaking up the sun.
An area of land along a body of water, typically used for recreational purposes.
The kids built sandcastles at the beach during their summer vacation.
A place where a specific activity takes place, such as a beach for swimming or surfing.
The local community organized a clean-up event at the beach.

Etymology

Old English 'bece', related to the word 'bēce', meaning 'a stream' or 'to expose.'

Common Phrases and Expressions

take a beach day:
to take a day off work to relax at the beach.
beach bum:
a person who spends a lot of time at the beach.
beach break:
a type of surf break that occurs over a sandy bottom.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

to beach something
He beached the boat to unload the supplies.
beach body
I'm hitting the gym to get a beach body for summer.