onshore

adjective

on·​shore ˈȯn-ˌshȯr 

ˈän-

1

: coming or moving from the water toward or onto the shore

an onshore wind

2

a

: situated on or near the shore as distinguished from being in deep or open water

b

: situated on land

3

: domestic sense 2

onshore markets

onshore

ˈȯn-ˈshȯr 

ˈän-ˈshȯr

adverb

Examples of onshore in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Minor coastal flooding is likely along the coast of Jamaica by Saturday in areas of onshore winds as tropical storm conditions begin to reach the area. —Miami Herald Hurricane Bot, Miami Herald, 25 Oct. 2025

These passive sensors feed data via fiber-optic links to onshore command centers, allowing the Russian Navy to track allied submarines attempting to shadow its strategic assets. —Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025

The alerts have been issued amid strong onshore winds, which are known to create hazardous surf and powerful rip currents. —Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025

Also, onshore wind remains soft, but analysts say that was largely expected due to ongoing regulatory hurdles. —Seema Mody, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for onshore

• abhor
• abor
• adore
• afore
• ardour
• ashore
• backdoor
• before
• bookstore
• candour
• centaur
• claymore

Kids Definition

onshore

adjective

on·​shore ˈȯn-ˌshō(ə)r 

ˈän-,

-ˌshȯ(ə)r

1

: moving toward the shore

onshore winds

2

: situated on land

onshore oil refinery

onshore

ˈȯn-ˈshō(ə)r 

ˈän-

-ˈshȯ(ə)r

adverb