sea

noun \ ˈsē \

|Updated on: 18 Jun 2018

Definition of sea

1 a : a great body of salt water that covers much of the earth; broadly : the waters of the earth as distinguished from the land and air

b : a body of salt water of second rank more or less landlocked

the Mediterranean sea

c : ocean

d : an inland body of water —used especially for names of such bodies

the Caspian Sea

2 a : surface motion on a large body of water or its direction; also : a large swell or wave —often used in plural

heavy seas

b : the disturbance of the ocean or other body of water due to the wind

3 : something likened to the sea especially in vastness

a sea of faces

4 : the seafaring life

5 : ²mare

—

sea

adjective

— at sea

1 : on the sea; specifically : on a sea voyage

2 : lost, bewildered

— to sea

: to or on the open waters of the sea

See sea defined for English-language learners

See sea defined for kids

Examples of sea in a Sentence

the seas of the Southern Hemisphere
millions of plants and animals live in the sea

Recent Examples of sea from the Web

Scientists say the pH level of the world’s seas have already dropped—on average from 8.2 to 8.1 on the pH scale (lower numbers are more acidic).

— eric niiler, National Geographic, "The Ocean Is Getting More Acidic—What That Actually Means," 15 June 2018
Hidden from the world four floors below, a sweaty sea of partygoers — all twisting, turning and swiveling — transform the Dancesport ballroom studio into one of the city’s largest salsa parties.

— New York Times, "Watch These Captivating Salsa Dancers, and Try Not to Break a Sweat," 14 June 2018
Japan's hawkish prime minister, has long advocated a revision to Japan's pacifist constitution, which currently states that Japan renounces war and will not maintain air, land or sea forces for non-defensive purposes.

— emiko jozuka, CNN, "Japan lowers its age of adulthood to 18," 14 June 2018
This religious yet community-minded ritual intends to bestow calm seas and bountiful hauls on the seekers of scallops and such.

— lauren mccutcehon, Philly.com, "Miss New Jersey, National Marbles Tournament and more things to do Down the Shore," 14 June 2018
Rough seas and dangerous rip currents will also threaten beachgoers along portions of Mexico's west coast, AccuWeather warned.

— doyle rice, USA TODAY, "Bud weakens to tropical storm, still a threat for Mexico and U.S. Southwest," 13 June 2018
If Brexit and surging populism were not enough of a challenge for the creaking European Union, the plight of 629 migrants drifting at sea in search of a welcome port is exposing the widening divide in Europe over immigration.

— tom kington, latimes.com, "Italy's refusal of rescue ship leaves 629 migrants at sea and exposes growing EU fault lines," 13 June 2018
The elevator doors pinged open and Garcetti slipped out toward the commencement, where a rippling sea of blue caps and gowns awaited.

— chanan tigay, GQ, "Eric Garcetti Is the Anti-Trump, Pro–Star Wars Man We Need," 12 June 2018
Save some room for Texas pecan sea salt caramel Italian gelato.

— michelle newman, San Antonio Express-News, "Where to eat, shop and sleep in Comfort," 11 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sea.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of sea

Middle English see, from Old English sǣ; akin to Old High German sē sea, Goth saiws

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

sea Synonyms

Synonyms

blue, brine, deep, ocean, seven seas;

Related Words

blue water, high seas, main, waters;

basin;

Davy Jones's locker, depths;

Other Oceanography Terms

littoral, sound

SEA Defined for English Language Learners

sea

noun

Definition of sea for English Language Learners

: the salt water that covers much of the Earth's surface ( literary )
: a large body of water that is part of the sea or that has land around part or all of it
: an area of the sea