noun
quicksand
KWIHK-sand
Quicksand (noun) means Wet, loose sand that looks solid but gives way and traps anything that steps into it, often found near rivers or shorelines. Example: “The guide warned us to avoid the marked patch of quicksand.”
noun
1
Wet, loose sand that looks solid but gives way and traps anything that steps into it, often found near rivers or shorelines.
"My feet were firmly lodged in the quicksand, and the more I struggled the more I sank into it."
"The guide warned us to avoid the marked patch of quicksand."
2
Figuratively, a situation that gradually traps or overwhelms someone.
"Their debts turned into a financial quicksand they couldn't escape."
How to use quicksand
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLoose wet sand you sink into, or, figuratively, a worsening situation you can't easily get out of.
Common pairings
sink into quicksand
like quicksand
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Word forms
- Plural
- quicksands
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The guide warned us to avoid the marked patch of _____.
Etymology
From Old English cwecesand, literally "living sand" — the same old sense of "quick" meaning "alive" combined with "sand."
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “quicksand” mean?
The word “quicksand” means wet, loose sand that looks solid but gives way and traps anything that steps into it, often found near rivers or shorelines. In plain terms, loose wet sand you sink into, or, figuratively, a worsening situation you can't easily get out of.
How do you pronounce “quicksand”?
“Quicksand” is pronounced KWIHK-sand (/ˈkwɪkˌsænd/ in IPA).
How do you use “quicksand” in a sentence?
Here is “quicksand” used in a sentence: “The guide warned us to avoid the marked patch of quicksand.”
What is another word for “quicksand”?
Words with a similar meaning to “quicksand” include syrtis and syrt.
What part of speech is “quicksand”?
“Quicksand” is a noun.
Where does the word “quicksand” come from?
The word “quicksand” comes from Old English. From Old English cwecesand, literally "living sand" — the same old sense of "quick" meaning "alive" combined with "sand.".
How many meanings does “quicksand” have?
“Quicksand” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: wet, loose sand that looks solid but gives way and traps anything that steps into it, often found near rivers or shorelines.
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