EBB

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does ebb mean? 

• EBB (noun)
  The noun EBB has 2 senses:

1. a gradual decline (in size or strength or power or number)

2. the outward flow of the tide

  Familiarity information: EBB used as a noun is rare.

• EBB (verb)
  The verb EBB has 3 senses:

1. flow back or recede

2. hem in fish with stakes and nets so as to prevent them from going back into the sea with the ebb

3. fall away or decline

  Familiarity information: EBB used as a verb is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• EBB (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A gradual decline (in size or strength or power or number)

Classified under:

Nouns denoting natural processes

Synonyms:

ebb; ebbing; wane

Hypernyms ("ebb" is a kind of...):

decline; diminution (change toward something smaller or lower)

Derivation:

ebb (fall away or decline)

Sense 2

Meaning:

The outward flow of the tide

Classified under:

Nouns denoting natural events

Synonyms:

ebb; reflux

Hypernyms ("ebb" is a kind of...):

flow; flowing (the motion characteristic of fluids (liquids or gases))

Holonyms ("ebb" is a part of...):

ebbtide (the tide while water is flowing out)

Derivation:

ebb (flow back or recede)

• EBB (verb)

Present simple: I / you / we / they ebb    ... he / she / it ebbs   
Past simple: ebbed   
Past participle: ebbed   
-ing form: ebbing   

Sense 1

Meaning:

Flow back or recede

Classified under:

Verbs of walking, flying, swimming

Synonyms:

ebb; ebb away; ebb down; ebb off; ebb out

Context example:

the tides ebbed at noon

Hypernyms (to "ebb" is one way to...):

fall back (move back and away from)

Sentence frame:

Something ----s

Antonym:

tide (rise or move forward)

Derivation:

ebb (the outward flow of the tide)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Hem in fish with stakes and nets so as to prevent them from going back into the sea with the ebb

Classified under:

Verbs of fighting, athletic activities

Hypernyms (to "ebb" is one way to...):

beleaguer; besiege; circumvent; hem in; surround (surround so as to force to give up)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s something

Sense 3

Meaning:

Fall away or decline

Classified under:

Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc.

Context example:

The patient's strength ebbed away

Hypernyms (to "ebb" is one way to...):

recede (become faint or more distant)

Sentence frame:

Something ----s

Derivation:

ebb; ebbing (a gradual decline (in size or strength or power or number))

 Context examples 

For three hours we strolled about together, watching the ever-changing kaleidoscope of life as it ebbs and flows through Fleet Street and the Strand.

(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

He was removed, loudly protesting, to the police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue.

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

The red-faced man had said that the tide was ebbing through the Golden Gate.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

It was at this time, at the lowest ebb, that the smooth-running editorial machine broke down.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

They appear as dark lines that appear to ebb and flow over time.

(NASA Weighs Use of Rover to Image Potential Mars Water Sites, NASA)

The ebb has made a good while; our stores should be uncovered.

(Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson)

However, the ship went out on the ebb tide; and was doubtless by morning far down the river mouth.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

The flood of fight ebbed down in him, and, releasing his prey, he turned tail and scampered on across the open in inglorious retreat.

(White Fang, by Jack London)

It's ebb at half-arter three, slack water half an hour.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

In the ebb of their fortunes, this sum was their total capital; yet they laid it unhesitatingly against Matthewson’s six hundred.

(The Call of the Wild, by Jack London)