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coast

n. · v.
US //ˈkoʊst// UK //kˈəʊst// coast
  1. 1 the shore (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    the land next to or near the sea.

    the part of the land adjoining or near the ocean.

    Example

    We took a long walk along the coast to watch the waves.

    Example

    The rugged coast of Maine is famous for its granite cliffs and historic lighthouses that have guided sailors for centuries.
  2. 2 to glide without power (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to move along easily without using any power or effort.

    to move by momentum or gravity without the use of an engine or active propulsion.

    Example

    The cyclist stopped pedalling and let the bike coast down the hill.

    Example

    After the engine failed, the pilot managed to coast the glider toward a flat field for an emergency landing.

    Usage

    The verb is intransitive and describes movement resulting from previous force.
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  1. 3 to make minimal effort (v.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

    to do something with very little effort because it is easy for you.

    to proceed through a task or period of time with minimal effort, often relying on past successes.

    Example

    He is so smart that he can coast through his exams without studying.

    Example

    Having secured a comfortable lead in the first half, the team appeared to coast through the remainder of the match.
  2. 4 to sled downhill (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate American English Dialect

    to slide down a snowy hill on a sled.

    to slide down a slope on a sled or toboggan.

    Example

    The children spent the whole afternoon coasting down the snowy hill behind the house.

    Example

    Local families gathered at the park's steepest ridge to go coasting after the first heavy snowfall of the season.
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