ocean
OH-shuhn
Ocean (noun) means one of the huge bodies of salt water that cover most of the Earth's surface. Example: “They sailed across the Atlantic Ocean.”
noun
1
One of the huge bodies of salt water that cover most of the Earth's surface.
"They sailed across the Atlantic Ocean."
"Marine life thrives in the deepest parts of the ocean."
"The Pacific is the largest ocean on the planet."
2
A vast, seemingly endless expanse of something.
"She stared out at an ocean of desks in the exam hall."
"An ocean of green fields stretched out in every direction."
"Standing in an ocean of cheering fans, he felt tiny."
How to use ocean
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA vast body of salt water, or figuratively, a huge amount of something.
Common pairings
across the ocean
ocean floor
an ocean of
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Word forms
- Plural
- oceans
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They sailed across the Atlantic _____.
Etymology
From Old French occean, from Latin Oceanus, from Greek Okeanos, the name of a primordial sea god who was believed to encircle the world.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for ocean
See all rhymes for ocean →Frequently asked questions
What does “ocean” mean?
The word “ocean” means one of the huge bodies of salt water that cover most of the Earth's surface. In plain terms, a vast body of salt water, or figuratively, a huge amount of something.
How do you pronounce “ocean”?
“Ocean” is pronounced OH-shuhn (/ˈoʊ.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “ocean” in a sentence?
Here is “ocean” used in a sentence: “They sailed across the Atlantic Ocean.”
What part of speech is “ocean”?
“Ocean” is a noun.
Where does the word “ocean” come from?
The word “ocean” comes from Latin. From Old French occean, from Latin Oceanus, from Greek Okeanos, the name of a primordial sea god who was believed to encircle the world.
Is “ocean” a common word?
“Ocean” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “ocean” have?
“Ocean” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: one of the huge bodies of salt water that cover most of the Earth's surface.
What is the difference between an ocean and a sea?
An ocean is one of the vast, deep bodies of salt water that cover most of the planet, while a sea is smaller and shallower, usually partly enclosed by land. Seas often sit where ocean meets a coastline — the Mediterranean and Caribbean are seas within the wider ocean system.
What are the five oceans?
Geographers now recognise five oceans: the Pacific, the Atlantic, the Indian, the Southern (or Antarctic), and the Arctic. The Pacific is by far the largest and deepest, while the Arctic is the smallest and coldest. Together they form one continuous body of water often called the world ocean.
What is the largest ocean?
The Pacific Ocean is the largest, covering roughly a third of the Earth's surface — bigger than all the land combined. It is also the deepest, containing the Mariana Trench, the lowest known point on Earth. The Atlantic ranks second, followed by the Indian, Southern, and Arctic oceans.
Why are oceans important?
Oceans regulate the planet's climate by storing and moving heat, produce a large share of the oxygen we breathe through marine plants, and absorb carbon dioxide. They also support billions of living things, drive weather and rainfall, and provide food, trade routes, and livelihoods for people worldwide.
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