SKIP TO CONTENT

marsh

/mɑrʃ/
/mɑʃ/
IPA guide

Other forms: marshes

A marsh is an area in transition from land to water. It is a very bad idea to go walking in a marsh in your best shoes; try some fishing boots, or perhaps a boat.

The word marsh comes from the old Dutch word mere, for sea, and it means land that is sea-ish… not sea, but sea-ish, like most of Holland. Marshes can be found often where a river empties into the sea, or along the side of a low, flooded river. Another word for marsh is swamp. If you’re in trouble or just want to be alone, a marsh is a great place to hide: no one will follow you. Just don’t forget your galoshes.

Definitions of marsh
  1. noun
    low-lying wet land with grassy vegetation; usually is a transition zone between land and water
    synonyms: fen, fenland, marshland
    see moresee less
    types:
    salt marsh
    low-lying wet land that is frequently flooded with saltwater
    type of:
    wetland
    a low area where the land is saturated with water
Pronunciation
US
/mɑrʃ/
UK
/mɑʃ/
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘marsh'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family