plural oceans
often attributive
1
a
: the whole body of salt water that covers nearly three fourths of the surface of the earth
The ocean covers most of our planet, regulates our weather and climate, absorbs vast amounts of carbon dioxide, provides most of our oxygen, and feeds much of the human population.—
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
b
: any of the large bodies of water into which the mass of salt water covering most of the earth is divided
the oceans of the world
2
: a very large or unlimited quantity or expanse
Could have made oceans of money.—James Joyce
James JoyceHe would have oceans of time for his ride.—P. G. Wodehouse
P. G. WodehouseJutting from an ocean of prairie, they [the Sangre de Cristo mountains] run north-south like an iguana spine …—Skiing
SkiingExamples of ocean in a Sentence
We've sailed across hundreds of miles of ocean.
the Pacific and Indian oceans
Recent Examples on the Web
As the oceans make up the majority of the planet’s surface, so, too, does the underworld represent the majority of all those who have ever lived here.
—Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
Maldives has extensive water safety protocols and expert divers, Shareef said, noting the archipelago’s ocean territory is around 3,000 times larger than its landmass.
—Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 17 May 2026
After a storm, the ocean deposits fresh treasures along the shoreline, and during a full moon, stronger currents and lower tides can reveal hidden shells that were once out of reach.
—Gabi De La Rosa, Southern Living, 17 May 2026
Either way, grab a drink or coffee at the lobby bar or stroll an expansive veranda outfitted with fire pits, walking paths, and the aforementioned ocean view before your room is ready.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for ocean
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Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
Maldives has extensive water safety protocols and expert divers, Shareef said, noting the archipelago’s ocean territory is around 3,000 times larger than its landmass.
—Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 17 May 2026
After a storm, the ocean deposits fresh treasures along the shoreline, and during a full moon, stronger currents and lower tides can reveal hidden shells that were once out of reach.
—Gabi De La Rosa, Southern Living, 17 May 2026
Either way, grab a drink or coffee at the lobby bar or stroll an expansive veranda outfitted with fire pits, walking paths, and the aforementioned ocean view before your room is ready.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for ocean
Cite this Entry
“Ocean.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ocean. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ocean
noun1
: the whole body of salt water that covers nearly three fourths of the surface of the earth
2
: one of the large bodies of water into which the ocean is divided
oceanic
adjective
ˌō-shē-ˈan-ik
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