What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
littoral
Example
The littoral zone is home to many unique species of plants and animals. [littoral: noun]
Example
The littoral drift is responsible for the movement of sand along the beach. [littoral: adjective]
coastal
Example
The coastal town is known for its seafood restaurants and scenic views. [coastal: adjective]
Example
We took a coastal drive along the Pacific Ocean and saw many beautiful beaches. [coastal: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Coastal is more commonly used than littoral in everyday language. Coastal is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while littoral is more technical and scientific and is typically used in specialized fields such as marine biology and geology.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between littoral and coastal?
Littoral is more formal and technical than coastal, which is more commonly used in everyday language and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
