1
a
: a great body of salt water that covers much of the earth
broadly
: the waters of the earth as distinguished from the land and air
b
: a body of salt water of second rank more or less landlocked
the Mediterranean sea
c
: ocean
d
: an inland body of water
—used especially for names of such bodies
the Caspian Sea
2
a
: surface motion on a large body of water or its direction
also
: a large swell or wave
—often plural
heavy seas
b
: the disturbance of the ocean or other body of water due to the wind
3
: something likened to the sea especially in vastness
a sea of faces
4
: the seafaring life
5
sea
adjective
Cite this Entry
“Sea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sea. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.
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