ebb

noun
UK: /eb/
US: /eb/

  1. When the tide moves away from the land.

    1. The ebb began, leaving the beach exposed so we could walk along it.
    2. We timed our walk to the island with the ebb of the tide, ensuring a safe passage.

Synonyms

recede wane retreat diminish
ebb verb

  1. To move away from the land; to decrease or weaken.

    1. The tide will ebb soon so it will be easier to reach the boat.
    2. Her strength seemed to ebb as the illness progressed over several weeks.

  2. Of the sea or its tide, to move away from the coast and fall to a lower level.

    1. The water ebbing exposed all the rocks along the shore this afternoon.
    2. As the tide began to ebb, the wreck of the ship became visible for first time.

Frequently Asked Questions

The phonetic transcription of "ebb" is /eb/ in British English and /eb/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "ebb": recede, wane, retreat, diminish.

Example usage of "ebb": "The ebb began, leaving the beach exposed so we could walk along it.". More examples on the page.