English Reference

Word

coastal

US/ˈkoʊstəɫ/

UK/kˈəʊstəl/

Definition

adj. located on or near the coast, where the land meets the ocean.

adj. relating to or situated on the coast; describes the interface between land and sea.

Examples

“We spent our summer holiday in a small coastal town.”

“The government is investing in new coastal defenses to protect homes from rising sea levels and erosion.”

“The coastal ecosystem supports a diverse range of species that have adapted to the constant cycle of the tides and varying levels of salinity.”

Examples

simple

“We spent our summer holiday in a small coastal town.”

contextual

“The government is investing in new coastal defenses to protect homes from rising sea levels and erosion.”

complex

“The coastal ecosystem supports a diverse range of species that have adapted to the constant cycle of the tides and varying levels of salinity.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “coastal” in context.

Verb

01. hug the coastal road

“The bus hugged the coastal road, offering passengers spectacular views of the Atlantic.”

verb + adj + noun

Adjective

02. coastal waters

“The discharge of industrial waste into coastal waters has severely impacted the local ecosystem.”

adj + noun

03. coastal erosion

“Local authorities are implementing new measures to combat rapid coastal erosion along the cliffs.”

adj + noun

04. coastal path

“We spent the afternoon hiking along the rugged coastal path to enjoy the sea views.”

adj + noun

05. coastal resort

“During the summer months, this quiet coastal resort transforms into a bustling tourist hub.”

adj + noun

06. predominantly coastal

“The population of the country is predominantly coastal, with very few large inland cities.”

adv + adj

Preposition

07. in coastal areas

“Property prices in coastal areas have skyrocketed due to the high demand for holiday homes.”

prep + noun

08. coastal areas

09. coastal communities

10. coastal town

11. coastal regions

12. coastal residents

Usage

Usually placed before the noun.

Real-World Examples

“Scorching summers, freezing winters, and scarce rain have for decades pushed rural workers toward coastal cities and industrial hubs.”
The Local 14 Aug 2026
“Separately, it was announced on Thursday that the Bulgarian coastal town of Burgas will host the 2027 contest .”
BBC News 14 Aug 2026
“Researchers warn that unusually hot oceans can fuel stronger storms, trigger harmful algal blooms, reduce seafood supplies, disrupt livelihoods, and contribute to anxiety, grief, and depression in coastal communities.”
ScienceDaily 11 Aug 2026
“A stretch of a major coastal highway ​was shut.”
The Guardian 14 Aug 2026

Etymology

From coast + -al. Piecewise doublet of costal.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Word family

ADJECTIVE

coastal(C1)

Domain

Geography

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Frequency
Common
Level
C1 · AdvancedOxford
Updated

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English Reference