reef
2 synonyms and 0 antonyms for reef, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A ridge of rock, sand, or coral lying at or near the surface of the sea.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use reef
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old Norse rif, \"rib, reef,\" the same root that gives us rib.
Full origin of reef →Frequently asked questions
What does “reef” mean?
The word “reef” means a ridge of rock, sand, or coral lying at or near the surface of the sea. In plain terms, a ridge near the water's surface (rock or coral), or, in sailing, to shorten a sail in high wind.
How do you pronounce “reef”?
“Reef” is pronounced reef (/ɹiːf/ in IPA).
How do you use “reef” in a sentence?
Here is “reef” used in a sentence: “Divers explored the coral reef just off the coast.”
What part of speech is “reef”?
Depending on how it is used, “reef” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “reef” come from?
The word “reef” comes from Old Norse. From Old Norse rif, \"rib, reef,\" the same root that gives us rib.
Is “reef” a common word?
“Reef” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “reef” have?
“Reef” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a ridge of rock, sand, or coral lying at or near the surface of the sea.
What is the difference between a reef and an atoll?
A reef is simply a ridge of rock, sand, or coral lying at or near the sea surface, while an atoll is a specific ring-shaped formation of coral reef that encircles a lagoon. An atoll is therefore a type of reef with a particular shape, but not all reefs form atolls.
What does it mean to reef a sail?
To reef a sail means to reduce its exposed area by rolling or folding part of it down and securing it, typically done in strong wind to keep a boat under control. This sailing sense is unrelated to the underwater rock or coral formation, though both uses of the word share the same spelling.
Are all reefs made of coral?
No, a reef can be made of rock or sand as well as coral, so not every reef is a coral reef. Coral reefs are simply one common and well-known type, built up over time by living coral organisms.