sea level

noun

: the level of the surface of the sea especially at its mean position midway between mean high and low water compare ground level sense 1a

Examples of sea level in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
His itinerary includes a stop in Cusco, which is around 3,350 meters above sea level, where there is roughly one-third less oxygen available per breath compared to sea-level. — Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026 Much of its ice rests on bedrock below sea level, while its floating ice shelves help regulate how quickly ice flows toward the sea. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026 Some low-lying communities have been warned for years to prepare for rising sea levels, Ainsworth said, but have put off the inevitable. — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026 The Kenyan runner had trained at high elevation and was better prepared for competing at 7,500 feet above sea level. — Quanta Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sea level

Word History

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sea level was in 1806

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sea level.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sea%20level. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

sea level

noun
: the height of the surface of the sea midway between the average high and low tides

More from Merriam-Webster on sea level

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!