English Reference
noun · verb

beach

n. · v.
US /ˈbitʃ/ UK /bˈiːtʃ/ beach UK spelling beaches

  1. 01 A1 Beginner

    n.an area of sand or small stones next to the sea or a lake.

    n.the shore of a body of water, particularly a coastal strip characterized by sand, gravel, or pebbles.

    Simple

    The children spent the whole afternoon building sandcastles on the beach.

    In context

    The coastline is famous for its secluded beaches, where the white sand contrasts sharply with the jagged limestone cliffs.

  2. 02 C2 Proficiency British EnglishDialect

    n.the small, smooth stones found on some shores.

    n.the loose pebbles or shingle of the seashore, often worn smooth by wave action.

    Simple

    The beach was so rocky that it was difficult to walk without thick shoes.

    In context

    In certain parts of Kent, the term refers specifically to the deep layers of beach that protect the low-lying marshland from the tide.

    Usage

    In this dialectal sense, the word is often used as an uncountable noun referring to the material itself.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate HumorousInformalSlang

    n.a word used instead of a common insult to avoid being rude.

    n.a phonetic euphemism for the word 'bitch', used to avoid censorship or social taboo.

    Simple

    Stop being such a beach and help me with these heavy bags.

    In context

    The comedian frequently substituted 'beach' for more aggressive profanities to maintain a family-friendly rating while still conveying the intended frustration.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to pull a boat out of the water and onto the sand.

    v.to pull or drive a vessel onto the shore, either intentionally for maintenance or accidentally.

    Simple

    We managed to beach the small boat before the storm got too bad.

    In context

    The sailors were forced to beach the leaking catamaran on a sandbar to prevent it from sinking in the deep channel.

  5. 05 C1 Advanced InformalTechnical

    v.to get a vehicle stuck on the ground so the wheels cannot move.

    v.to run a vehicle onto an obstacle or soft ground such that the chassis rests on the surface, depriving the wheels of traction.

    Simple

    He tried to drive over the dirt pile but beached his car instead.

    In context

    The off-road vehicle was beached on a hidden stump, leaving the driver with all four wheels spinning uselessly in the air.

This entry
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Very common
Updated