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beach

US //ˈbitʃ// UK //bˈiːtʃ// beach
  1. 1 sandy shore (n.)
    A1 Beginner

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The coastline is famous for its secluded beaches, where the white sand contrasts sharply with the jagged limestone cliffs.
  2. 2 pebbles or shingle (n.)
    C2 Proficiency British English Dialect

    the small, smooth stones found on some shores.

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

    Example

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

    Example

    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.
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  1. 3 euphemism for a swear word (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Humorous Informal Slang

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

  2. 4 to bring a boat ashore (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The sailors were forced to beach the leaking catamaran on a sandbar to prevent it from sinking in the deep channel.
  3. 5 to get stuck (v.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Technical

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The off-road vehicle was beached on a hidden stump, leaving the driver with all four wheels spinning uselessly in the air.
Idioms1 entry

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