What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
seacoast
Example
The seacoast of California is known for its rugged beauty. [seacoast: noun]
Example
We drove along the seacoast, admiring the stunning views of the ocean. [seacoast: adjective]
shoreline
Example
The shoreline was littered with shells and driftwood. [shoreline: noun]
Example
The waves crashed against the rocky shoreline. [shoreline: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shoreline is more commonly used than seacoast in everyday language. Shoreline is a more specific term that is often used to describe the boundary between the land and the water, while seacoast is a broader term that is often used to describe the entire land area adjacent to the sea.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between seacoast and shoreline?
Both seacoast and shoreline are relatively formal terms that are commonly used in academic or scientific writing to describe coastal geography or environmental features.