Phrase guide

open water

noun · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

An expanse of an ocean, sea, or large lake which is distant from shore and devoid of nearby islands or other obstructions.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: uncountable, usually

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

In a river, pond, or other small body of water, an area of surface unobstructed by aquatic vegetation, boulders, and the like, adequate for navigation or swimming.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: uncountable, usually

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

noun

Meaning 3

An area of an ocean, sea, lake, or river which is not covered by ice.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: Canada, uncountable, usually

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

13 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: avovesi — expanse of open sea
  • Finnish: ulappa — expanse of open sea
  • Finnish: selkä — expanse of open sea
  • Galician: mar aberto — expanse of open sea
  • Māori: au o te moana — expanse of open sea
  • Portuguese: mar aberto — expanse of open sea
  • Finnish: avovesi — unobstructed water surface
  • Galician: mar aberto — unobstructed water surface
  • German: Freiwasser — unobstructed water surface
  • Māori: hīwai — unobstructed water surface
  • Portuguese: águas livres — unobstructed water surface
  • Spanish: aguas abiertas — unobstructed water surface
  • Finnish: avovesi — water not covered by ice