whitecap

noun

white·​cap ˈ(h)wīt-ˌkap 

: a wave crest breaking into white foam

—usually plural

Examples of whitecap in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Crispen said that at this time of year there are typically whitecaps in the water from wind, which is challenging. — Phil Helsel, NBC news, 15 July 2026

Windy conditions were generating whitecaps on the water, making visibility challenging for rescuers on Tuesday evening, Crispen said. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026

By seven, half an inch of sand coated the tent floor, and whitecaps marched down the river. — John Todd, Outdoor Life, 9 July 2026

Wind whipped whitecaps across the sea, and waves crashed against a nearby jetty. — Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1773, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for whitecap

• handicap
• overlap
• thunderclap
• wiretap
• app
• cap
• chap
• clap
• crap
• flap
• frap
• gap

Kids Definition

whitecap

noun

white·​cap ˈhwīt-ˌkap 

ˈwīt-

: the top of a wave breaking into foam

—usually used in plural