Meaning & Definition of word "Marsh"

Marsh

/mɑːrʃ/

noun:

  • 1. A wetland area that is dominated by herbaceous plants, such as grasses, sedges, and reeds, and is often found at the edges of lakes and rivers.
    • Example: The marsh teemed with wildlife, including frogs, birds, and various insects.
  • 2. An area of low-lying land that frequently floods and is characterized by soft, waterlogged soil.
    • Example: The conservation efforts were aimed at restoring the natural marsh that had been drained for agriculture.
  • 3. A tract of low, wet land that can be seasonally flooded.
    • Example: We explored the marsh during the spring, when migratory birds flocked to the wetlands.

Etymology

Middle English mersh, from Old English mersc.

Common Phrases and Expressions

marshy land:

land that is wet and soft, often covered with grasses and reeds.

marsh marigold:

a flowering plant found in wet areas.

marsh gas:

gases produced by the decomposition of organic matter in marshy areas.

Related Words

wetland:

an area where water covers the soil, either permanently or seasonally.

swamp:

a low-lying area that is seasonally or permanently flooded with water.

Slang Meanings of marsh

Meaning: A place of difficult access or low desirability.

Example Sentence: That area of town has become a real marsh – no one wants to go there.

Meaning: A confusing situation.

Example Sentence: Trying to sort out that old paperwork was like wading through a marsh.