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

Utility-scale solar power costs have dropped by nearly 90% globally since 2010, while onshore wind costs have fallen around 70%, making renewables the cheapest source of new electricity generation in many African markets. —ABC News, 27 May 2026

Since around 2020, a giant magma chamber has swelled under the Reykjanes Peninsula, the onshore limb of the Reykjanes Ridge, triggering earthquakes and sending lava oozing into the streets. —Quanta Magazine, 26 May 2026

The winds were anticipated to hit a peak by late morning before a direction shift brings more onshore flow in the early afternoon. —Nathaniel Percy, Daily News, 19 May 2026

Dry Santa Ana gusts up to 40 mph fueled the flames and are expected to give way to onshore winds tonight, but forecasters warn that warm, dry conditions will persist Tuesday. —Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026

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