noun
sandcastle
SAND-kass-uhl
Sandcastle (noun) means a small model of a castle built out of sand, usually made by a child at the beach for fun. Example: “The children spent the afternoon building a sandcastle near the water's edge.”
noun
1
A small model of a castle built out of sand, usually made by a child at the beach for fun.
"The children spent the afternoon building a sandcastle near the water's edge."
"Their sandcastle had a moat, two towers and a little flag on top."
"We build a sandcastle every summer before the tide comes in and washes it away."
How to use sandcastle
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA sandcastle is a castle-shaped sculpture you build out of sand.
When to use it
This is an everyday, informal word suitable for any casual context.
Memory tip
Sandcastle is written as one word in modern English, not sand castle.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
build a sandcastle
a sandcastle competition
knock down a sandcastle
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like sandcastle.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The children spent the afternoon building a _____ near the water's edge.
Etymology
The word is simply a combination of sand and castle, describing a castle-shaped structure made from sand.
Rhymes for sandcastle
See all rhymes for sandcastle →Frequently asked questions
What is a sandcastle?
It is a small, castle-shaped sculpture made of sand, most often built by children on a beach.
Do sandcastles have to look like real castles?
Not exactly, but they typically borrow features such as towers and walls to resemble a miniature castle.
Who usually builds sandcastles?
They are typically made for fun by children on a beach, though anyone can build one.
What is the meaning of sandcastle?
"sandcastle" (noun) means a small model of a castle built out of sand, usually made by a child at the beach for fun.
