ebb

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noun \ˈeb\

Definition of ebb

1 : the reflux of the tide toward the sea
2 : a point or condition of decline our spirits were at a low ebb

See ebb defined for English-language learners

See ebb defined for kids

Examples of ebb in a Sentence

Morale seems to have reached its lowest ebb.
a surprising ebb in the quality of workmanship in goods coming from that country

Origin and Etymology of ebb

Middle English ebbe, from Old English ebba; akin to Middle Dutch ebbe ebb, Old English of from — more at of

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First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

ebb

verb

Definition of ebb

intransitive verb
1 : to recede from the flood
2 : to fall from a higher to a lower level or from a better to a worse state his popularity ebbed

See ebb defined for English-language learners

Examples of ebb in a Sentence

waiting for the tide to ebb
the fortunes of the town slowly ebbed as factory after textile factory closed

First Known Use of ebb

before 12th century

Synonym Discussion of ebb

abate, subside, wane, ebb mean to die down in force or intensity. abate stresses the idea of progressive diminishing. the storm abated subside implies the ceasing of turbulence or agitation. the protests subsided after a few days wane suggests the fading or weakening of something good or impressive. waning enthusiasm ebb suggests the receding of something (such as the tide) that commonly comes and goes. the ebbing of daylight

EBB Defined for English Language Learners

ebb

play

noun

Definition of ebb for English Language Learners

: the time when the tide flows out from the land
: a low point or condition : a condition of weakness, failure, etc.

ebb

verb

Definition of ebb for English Language Learners

of a tide : to flow outward from the land
: to get worse

EBB Defined for Kids

ebb

play

noun \ˈeb\

Definition of ebb for Students

1 : the flowing out of the tide
2 : a point reached after things have gotten worse In the ebb of their fortunes, this sum was their total capital … — Jack London, The Call of the Wild