Shorelines Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈʃɔːrlaɪnz/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A strip of land along the edge of a sea, lake, or river, typically characterized by a distinctive shape or feature, such as cliffs, beaches, or dunes.

Examples

• The family spent their summer vacation walking along the shorelines of the lake.
• The shorelines of the island were lined with palm trees and white sand.

Synonyms

• Coastline
• Beach

Antonyms

• Inland
• Interior

Additional Information

Shorelines play a crucial role in shaping the surrounding environment and ecosystem. They provide a habitat for various plants and animals, and are often a popular destination for recreation and tourism.

Shorelines can be affected by natural processes such as erosion and sedimentation, as well as human activities like coastal development and pollution. As a result, it is essential to protect and conserve shorelines to maintain their natural beauty and ecological importance.

Shorelines can also be culturally significant, with many communities relying on them for their livelihood and way of life. They are often the site of important historical and spiritual events, and are frequently featured in art, literature, and music.

Etymology

The word “shoreline” is derived from the Old English words “scor” meaning “border” or “edge”, and “līn” meaning “line” or ” boundary”. The term has been used since the 14th century to describe the edge of a body of water.

Usage Notes

The term “shoreline” can be used in a variety of contexts, including geography, ecology, and tourism. It is often used interchangeably with “coastline”, although the latter typically refers to a longer stretch of land along the edge of a sea or ocean.

Cultural References

Shorelines have been featured in numerous works of art, literature, and music, including the famous painting “The Shoreline” by the American artist, Andrew Wyeth.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “To be on the shoreline” means to be on the edge or boundary of something.
• “To follow the shoreline” means to follow the edge or boundary of something.

Related Words or Phrases

• Coast
• Beach
• Harbor

Collocations

• “shoreline erosion”
• “shoreline protection”
• “shoreline development”

Frequency of Use

The term “shoreline” is commonly used in everyday language, particularly in contexts related to geography, ecology, and tourism.

Common Misspellings

• “Shore line”
• “Shoreline’s”
• “Shorline”