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

Cold, onshore winds will begin blowing by mid-morning and will hit 50 mph to 60 mph along eastern Interstate 8, with possibly higher gusts. —Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026

Just over 50% of this sum was allocated to solar energy and 25% to onshore wind, the African Energy Chamber noted in its latest outlook. —Preeti Jha, semafor.com, 2 Jan. 2026

According to project data, electricity generation efficiency is five to 15 percent higher than comparable onshore solar plants. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 30 Dec. 2025

In addition to the astronomical events, forecasters also noted an incoming low-pressure system expected to bring strong onshore winds, generating some storm surge. —Tim Fang, CBS News, 29 Dec. 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