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

Beaches along the Southern California coast will remain under hazardous conditions, including dangerous rip currents, and breaking waves are expected to remain in the region through Tuesday morning due to elevated surf. — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026

Additionally, there is a high risk of rip currents at all Central Florida Atlantic beaches. — Garfield Hylton, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Nov. 2026

Additionally, a high risk of rip currents was in effect along Atlantic beaches, and a small-craft caution was in place for Atlantic waters. — CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026

Lifeguards rescue thousands of people from rip currents annually. — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 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