ENGLISH
REFERENCE

lagoon

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ɫəˈɡun// UK //lɐɡˈuːn// la·goon

n. a pool of salt water that is separated from the ocean by a sandbank or a coral reef.

n. a shallow body of water separated from a larger body of water by barrier islands or reefs.


SIMPLE

The water in the lagoon is very clear and calm.

CONTEXTUAL

Tourists often take small boats out to the lagoon to see the colorful fish living in the shallow water.

COMPLEX

The resort was built around a natural lagoon, providing guests with a sheltered swimming area protected from the heavy surf of the open ocean.

Synonyms
Origin

Borrowed from French lagune, from Italian laguna, from Latin lacuna. Related to Old English lagu via Proto-Indo-European. Doublet of lacuna and lacune.

Usage

Often used with the definite article when referring to a specific geographical feature.

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