noun
undertow
Undertow (noun) means a strong current beneath the surface of the water that pulls back out to sea after a wave breaks. Example: “Swimmers were warned about a dangerous undertow near the pier.”
noun
1
A strong current beneath the surface of the water that pulls back out to sea after a wave breaks.
"Swimmers were warned about a dangerous undertow near the pier."
2
A hidden feeling or force that runs contrary to the more obvious mood or situation.
"Beneath the celebration there was an undertow of tension between the two families."
How to use undertow
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA pulling current under the water, or figuratively, a hidden feeling beneath the surface of a situation.
Common pairings
strong undertow
undertow of resentment
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Word forms
- Plural
- undertows
- Third person singular
- undertows
- Past tense
- undertowed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Swimmers were warned about a dangerous _____ near the pier.
Etymology
From under- plus tow, describing a current that tows or drags things beneath the surface.
Synonyms
View more →
sea puss
sea-puss
sea purse
sea-purse
sea-poose
Frequently asked questions
What does “undertow” mean?
The word “undertow” means a strong current beneath the surface of the water that pulls back out to sea after a wave breaks. In plain terms, a pulling current under the water, or figuratively, a hidden feeling beneath the surface of a situation.
How do you use “undertow” in a sentence?
Here is “undertow” used in a sentence: “Swimmers were warned about a dangerous undertow near the pier.”
What part of speech is “undertow”?
“Undertow” is a noun.
How many meanings does “undertow” have?
“Undertow” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a strong current beneath the surface of the water that pulls back out to sea after a wave breaks.
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