reef

1 of 3

noun (1)

1
: a part of a sail taken in or let out in regulating size
2
: reduction in sail area by reefing

reef

2 of 3

verb

reefed; reefing; reefs

transitive verb

1
: to reduce the area of (a sail) by rolling or folding a portion
2
: to lower or bring inboard (a spar) wholly or partially

intransitive verb

: to reduce a sail by taking in a reef
reefable adjective

reef

3 of 3

noun (2)

1
a
: a chain of rocks or coral or a ridge of sand at or near the surface of water compare atoll, barrier reef
b
: a hazardous obstruction
2
: lode, vein
reefy adjective

Examples of reef in a Sentence

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.
Noun
If you get excited by the idea of diving in reefs, snorkeling, swimming in rivers, and exploring caves, jungles with vast biodiversity, and sites of historical significance, Belize could be for you. Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024 By attenuating wave energy, the reefs help create a calmer environment near the shoreline, minimizing erosion. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2024 An impressive mix of reefs and wrecks, along with a robust array of dive operations on the island, have welcomed divers for decades, long before Curaçao was the Caribbean destination du jour. Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 1 Dec. 2024 The original story follows Moana, a determined teenager from Motunui, who sets out on a daring ocean voyage to save her people and uncover what lies beyond the safety of the reef. Jordana Comiter, People.com, 30 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for reef 

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English riff, from Old Norse rif; probably akin to Old Norse rīfa to rend — more at rive

Noun (2)

Dutch rif, from Middle Dutch, from Old Norse, literally rib; akin to Old English ribb rib — more at rib

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1670, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun (2)

1584, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of reef was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near reef

Cite this Entry

“Reef.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reef. Accessed 11 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

reef

1 of 3 noun
1
: a part of a sail taken in or let out in regulating size
2
: the reduction in sail area made by reefing

reef

2 of 3 verb
: to reduce the area of (a sail) by rolling or folding a portion

reef

3 of 3 noun
: a chain of rocks or coral or a ridge of sand at or near the surface of water
Etymology

Noun

Middle English riff "reef of a sail"; of Norse origin

Noun

from Dutch rif "reef of rocks or sand"; of Scandinavian origin

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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