seafront
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈiːfrʌnt/
US
- /ˈsifrənt/
Description
- Coastside promenade
- Waterfront area
- Shore by a town
- Buildings facing the sea
Imagine the salty air on your face, the cries of seagulls overhead, and the steady sound of waves. That's often what comes to mind when you think of a seafront. It is the part of a coast, especially in a town or holiday place, that runs along the sea. It is often a place for walking, sitting outside cafes, visiting shops, and enjoying the sea view.
But "seafront" is not just about beaches. It often refers to the road, promenade, or row of buildings beside the sea. Think of Brighton's lively seafront or the quiet front of a small seaside town. The word often suggests holidays, fresh air, and time spent near the water.
The term seafront usually describes the part of a town, resort, or coastal settlement that faces the sea. It often includes a promenade, road, beach area, hotels, cafes, shops, or other buildings and spaces along the water. The word is commonly used for places where people walk, relax, meet, or stay while visiting the coast.
It does not usually mean the whole coastline. Instead, it points more specifically to the built-up or well-known stretch beside the sea, especially in a seaside town. A seafront may include a beach, but the focus is often on the public area facing the water rather than on the natural shore alone.
The character of a seafront can vary a lot. Some have long promenades, piers, and rows of guesthouses. Others are simple and quiet, with just a path, a few benches, and a view of the sea. In many places, the seafront becomes a social and tourist centre, full of walkers, families, cyclists, and visitors.
Seafront is often used in tourism, travel, property, and local news. You might read about seafront hotels, seafront cafes, seafront apartments, or seafront improvement projects. The word brings to mind a place where the town opens toward the sea and where daily life meets the coast.
Examples
- 1
Holiday accommodation
They rented a small flat on the seafront for the summer.
Usage
seafront is especially common in British English
- 2
Walking route
We walked along the seafront after dinner and bought ice cream.
Pattern
along the seafront
following the road or path by the sea
- 3
Town development
The town has spent money improving the seafront to attract more visitors.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- seafrontnoun