rip current

noun

: a strong usually narrow surface current flowing outward from a shore that results from the return flow of waves and wind-driven water

Examples of rip current in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There is a low risk of rip currents along our Atlantic beaches and there are no alerts or advisories for boaters over the Atlantic waters or the Keys waters. — Lissette Gonzalez, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

Derrick Moore, 47, of Loganville is being hailed as a hero for rescuing the girl from a rip current. — Asia Simone Burns, AJC.com, 10 Aug. 2026

That has the potential to increase the risk of strong rip currents and sneaker waves. — Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2026

Beachgoers face a high risk for rip currents on Friday that are forecast to continue into Saturday. — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for rip current

• concurrent
• decurrent
• noncurrent
• recurrent
• countercurrent
• intercurrent
• overcurrent
• photocurrent
• undercurrent