Ebb

/ɛb/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The flowing back of the tide as the water recedes.

We took a walk along the shore during the ebb.

A decline or reduction of something.

There was an ebb in his enthusiasm for the project.

verb

To recede or diminish gradually; to decline.

The excitement of the crowd began to ebb as the evening progressed.

Refers to the falling of the tide.

As the tide began to ebb, the beach became more exposed.

Old English 'ebban' meaning 'to ebb, to decline'.

the ebb and flow

The constant movement between two opposing states, often referring to tides or metaphorically to situations in life.

flow

The movement of liquid in a particular direction, often used in contrast to ebb.

tide

The rise and fall of sea levels caused by gravitational forces exerted by the Moon and Sun.

To lose energy or motivation.

After a long week, I really feel like I'm ebbing.

To go downhill or decline in quality.

The party was great at first, but it started to ebb by midnight.