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 The onetime hurricane moved up the Atlantic Ocean this week, threatening the East Coast with life-threatening surf and rip currents. Alex Sundby, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2023 Lee will continue to churn up rough seas and cause potentially deadly rip currents along the U.S. East Coast through the weekend. Leigh Morgan, al, 15 Sep. 2023 The beach may seem like the place to escape the heat, but the storm is also responsible for strong rip currents and high surf at Los Angeles-area beaches. Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2023 However, rough surf and life-threatening rip currents are a growing concern for many islands in the region. Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 8 Sep. 2023 Tropical storm conditions, life-threatening surf and rip currents could occur on some of these islands over the weekend. Mary Gilbert, CNN, 8 Sep. 2023 However, dangerous surf and rip currents are expected along the East Coast starting Sunday. Shannon Larson, BostonGlobe.com, 8 Sep. 2023 Lee was sending rip currents and hazardous waves across the northern Caribbean. Harold Maass, The Week, 8 Sep. 2023 Whatever happens, most of the beaches along the eastern United States are likely to see stronger surf and dangerous rip currents next week. Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, 6 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rip current.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rip current was in 1936

Dictionary Entries Near rip current

Cite this Entry

“Rip current.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rip%20current. Accessed 4 Oct. 2023.

More from Merriam-Webster on rip current

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