# shallows

/ʃˈæləʊz/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/shallows
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

a part of the sea, lake, or river where the water is not deep, so you can often stand or see the bottom.

For teachers: an area of water in a sea, lake, or river where the depth is small and the bottom lies close to the surface.

## Examples

- The children play safely in the shallows near the beach.
- The boat slows down as it enters the shallows where the water turns clear and light green.
- At low tide the exposed sandbars divide the shallows into glassy pools where herons stand motionless, waiting for small fish.

## Synonyms

shoal

## Antonyms

depths

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.