Ocean
'oʊʃən
Definitions
A very large body of saltwater that covers much of the Earth's surface.
'oʊʃən
A very large expanse of sea.
The ocean is home to a diverse range of marine life.
💡 Simply: Imagine a giant swimming pool, but bigger than anything you've ever seen! The ocean is the biggest body of water on Earth, full of all sorts of amazing creatures.
👶 For kids: The ocean is like a giant, giant swimming pool that covers a lot of the Earth!
More Examples
The ship sailed across the Atlantic Ocean.
We spent the day at the beach, enjoying the cool breeze from the ocean.
How It's Used
"The Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest of the world's oceans."
"The vast ocean stretched out before the ship, beckoning it forward."
Idioms & expressions
the high seas
The open ocean, often used in legal or nautical contexts.
"Pirates used to roam the high seas."
a drop in the ocean
A very small amount or insignificant contribution compared to what is needed or available.
"My donation was just a drop in the ocean compared to the total cost of the project."
ocean of (something)
A vast amount or quantity of something, often used figuratively.
"An ocean of possibilities opened before her."
From Old French *océan*, from Latin *Oceanus*, from Greek *Ōkeanós*, the Titan god of the great river encircling the Earth.
The word "ocean" has been used since the 14th century to describe the vast bodies of saltwater covering the Earth.
Memory tip
Think of the *O* in ocean as the shape of the Earth and the vastness of water surrounding it.
Word Origin
"Ōkeanós, a Titan god of the encircling river"