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

Potentially dangerous ocean conditions Officials warned of hazardous conditions — such as high surf and strong rip currents — across much of the Southern California coastline. — Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026

Among the impacts are an elevated risk of drowning, rip currents that can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea and large breaking waves that can wash people off beaches and rocks, according to the National Weather Service Los Angeles. — Paris Barraza, USA Today, 20 July 2026

There is a moderate risk for rip currents at all area beaches. — Garfield Hylton, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026

And about the rip currents Currents are dangerous and a very real problem on the Gulf Coast, including around the barrier islands where Wells was partying. — Adam Carlson, PEOPLE, 16 July 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