Lagoon

/ləˈɡuːn/

nounBeginner📊CommonGeneral
1 meaning2 questions

Definitions

1

A shallow body of seawater separated from the sea by a sandbank, coral reef, or other barrier.

/ləˈɡuːn/

nounneutralBeginner
General

A shallow body of water separated from a larger body of water by a barrier

The boat sailed slowly through the tranquil lagoon.

💡 Simply: A lagoon is like a swimming pool that nature made near the ocean. It's often surrounded by sand or rocks and is usually calm and pretty.

👶 For kids: A lagoon is like a swimming pool made by the ocean, but it's in the ocean!

More Examples

2

The hotel overlooked a stunning tropical lagoon.

3

The lagoon provided a safe harbor for the small fishing boats.

How It's Used

Geography

"The island's coastline is characterized by a beautiful, turquoise lagoon."

Ecology

"The lagoon is a vital habitat for various species of birds and fish."

Tourism

"Tourists often enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the clear, calm lagoon waters."

Synonyms & Antonyms

From Italian *laguna*, from Latin *lacuna* ('a hollow, a pool, a lake'), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *lákʷos*.

The word 'lagoon' first appeared in English in the 17th century, borrowed from the Italian.

Memory tip

Imagine a shallow, calm pool of water near the sea, like a safe place for fish and boats – that's a lagoon!

Word Origin

LanguageItalian
Original meaning

"A shallow body of water"

Base: lagoon
tropical lagooncoastal lagoonclear lagooncalm lagoonshallow lagoon

Common misspellings

lagunelaggoonlagoone

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written