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 Strong rip currents are expected with large breaking waves at Morro Bay, Port San Luis and Ventura harbors. Priscella Vega, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2024 Unlike a pool, a river could have rip currents, changing temperatures and wind. Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 9 Feb. 2024 Powerful waves and strong rip currents will pose an exceptional risk of ocean drowning and damage to coastal structures like piers and jetties. Kenton Gewecke, ABC News, 30 Dec. 2023 There’s also a concern for high surf across the Central Coast down to San Diego, with warnings of 8- to 16-foot waves and dangerous rip currents. Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2024 Weather warning The area of concern centers on high rip currents along coastal Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, according to the weather service. Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2024 The risk of rip currents will remain high along the Atlantic Coast into next week. Omar Rodríguez Ortiz, Miami Herald, 22 Mar. 2024 People who visit should be aware that some of the beaches are not suitable for swimming because of their rough waters and undertows, as well as the risk of dangerous rip currents according to the Los Cabos Tourism Board. Michael Salerno, The Arizona Republic, 19 Mar. 2024 Officials warned the public to stay away from the water because of dangerous surf and life-threatening rip currents. Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 5 Jan. 2024

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 25 Apr. 2024.

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