often attributive
: a tract of soft wet land usually characterized by monocotyledons (such as grasses or cattails)

Examples of marsh in a Sentence

a wide expanse of marsh the marshes along the coast support a remarkable profusion of plants and animals
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Instagram post showed the group laughing and posing while shooting on a marsh outside Charleston. Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025 Spend some time adventuring on the island’s creeks and marshes via a kayak tour. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2025 Among the greatest dangers faced in coastal marshes is sinking. Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 17 Oct. 2025 But lately a massive restoration project is bringing life back to the inhospitable coast, reinvigorating the marshes and inviting birds and fish and other creatures back to their former homes. Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for marsh

Word History

Etymology

Middle English mersh, from Old English merisc, mersc; akin to Middle Dutch mersch marsh, Old English mere sea, pool — more at marine

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of marsh was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Marsh.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/marsh. Accessed 25 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

marsh

noun
: an area of soft wet land usually overgrown by grasses and sedges
marshy
ˈmär-shē
adjective

Biographical Definition

Marsh

biographical name

Dame (Edith) Ngaio ˈnī-(ˌ)ō How to pronounce Marsh (audio) 1899–1982 New Zealand writer

More from Merriam-Webster on marsh

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