ebb

[ɛb]

ebb Definition

• 1. the movement of the tide out to sea
• 2. a gradual decline or decrease
• 3. to recede or flow outwards

Using ebb: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "ebb" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The ebb and flow of the tide is a natural phenomenon.

• Example

  The company's fortunes have been in steady ebb for the past few years.

• Example

  The crowd began to ebb away as the concert ended.

• Example

  His strength was ebbing away.

ebb Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for ebb

• recede
• subside
• waning
• decrease
• decline

Antonyms for ebb

• flow
• flood
• surge
• increase
• growth

Phrases with ebb

• ebb and flow

  a recurrent or rhythmical pattern of coming and going or decline and regrowth

  Example

  The ebb and flow of the stock market is difficult to predict.

• at a low ebb

  at a point of great weakness, exhaustion, or decline

  Example

  After losing his job, his self-confidence was at a low ebb.

• ebb away

  gradually diminish or lessen

  Example

  As the night wore on, her energy began to ebb away.

Origins of ebb

from Middle English 'ebbe', from Old English 'ebba', meaning 'low tide'

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Summary: ebb in Brief

'Ebb' [ɛb] refers to the movement of the tide out to sea, or a gradual decline or decrease. It can be used as both a noun and a verb, as in 'The ebb and flow of the tide is a natural phenomenon.' 'At a low ebb,' is an idiomatic expression that means at a point of great weakness, exhaustion, or decline. 'Ebb away' means to gradually diminish or lessen.