ocean
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈəʊʃən/
US
- /ˈoʊʃən/
Description
- vast body of saltwater
- sea
- marine environment
The ocean is the huge body of salt water that covers most of the Earth. It is home to many kinds of life, from tiny plankton to giant whales, and it helps shape weather and climate. When people talk about waves, deep water, sea journeys, or life under the surface, they are often talking about the ocean.
The word can also be used in a figurative way. You might hear about an "ocean of possibilities" or an "ocean of sadness" to show that something feels very large, deep, or endless.
The ocean is the vast mass of salt water that covers most of Earth's surface. It includes the great connected waters of the world, often divided into the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic, and Southern Oceans. It is a place of waves, currents, tides, deep trenches, coral reefs, fish, mammals, and countless other forms of life.
People use this word when talking about geography, weather, travel, trade, fishing, exploration, and the natural world. The ocean gives life, carries ships, shapes coastlines, and affects climate across the planet. In stories and everyday speech, it can feel peaceful, dangerous, empty, rich, or full of mystery, depending on the scene.
"Ocean" can also be used as a metaphor for something very large or without a clear end. Someone may speak of an "ocean of time," an "ocean of grief," or an "ocean of opportunity." In that sense, the word keeps its main feeling: something broad, deep, and hard to measure fully.
Examples
- 1
Swimming
We spent the afternoon swimming in the ocean.
- 2
Coastal location
Their house is only five minutes from the ocean.
- 3
Shipping
A cargo ship crossed the Atlantic Ocean last week.
- 4
Relaxing sound
I love falling asleep to the sound of the ocean.
- 5
Hotel view
The hotel room has an ocean view.
- 6
Pollution
Plastic waste is a serious threat to the world's oceans.
- 7
Marine science
Scientists are studying life on the ocean floor.
- 8
Large amount
After the storm, an ocean of muddy water covered the road.
Pattern
an ocean of + noun
a very large amount of it
- 9
Small contribution
The donation helped, but it was just a drop in the ocean.
Phrase
a drop in the ocean
a very small part of what is needed
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- oceannoun
Forms
- oceanspluralnoun