marsh

noun

ˈmärsh 

often attributive

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

Synonyms

• wetland
• swamp

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

California is currently considering investing $500 million to widen a North Bay highway that’s sinking into a marsh surrounded because low-income commuters from Solano County use the route to get to jobs in Marin, Napa and Sonoma counties. —Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2025

Whatever the name, for centuries people have reported seeing these eerie, faint blue flames hovering over marshes, bogs and other wetlands. —Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 29 Sep. 2025

Some of the terrain includes a waterfall, California live oak trees, sycamore trees, volcanic rocks, a freshwater marsh and locals such as Pacific tree frogs, mallard ducks, raccoons and coyotes. —Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025

Emerald Isle, North Carolina, confesses its obvious charms—brilliant blue-green waters, a verdant maritime forest, and lush marshes—in its name. —Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 24 Sep. 2025

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

Phrases Containing marsh

• marsh elder
• marsh gas
• marsh hawk
• marsh hen
• marsh mallow
• marsh marigold
• marsh pink
• salt marsh

Rhymes for marsh

• harsh

Kids Definition

marsh

noun

ˈmärsh 

: an area of soft wet land usually overgrown by grasses and sedges

marshy

ˈmär-shē

adjective

Biographical Definition

Marsh

biographical name

ˈmärsh 

Dame (Edith) Ngaio ˈnī-(ˌ)ō  1899–1982 New Zealand writer