shore

UK: ʃɔː | US: ʃɔːr

Definition

  1. n. the land along the edge of a sea, lake, or other large body of water

  2. vt. to support or brace something (e.g., "shore up a wall")

Structure
shore <land edge>
Etymology

The word "shore" traces back to Old English scora, meaning "land bordering water." It shares roots with Middle Dutch schor and Old Norse skor (edge or brink), reflecting a common Germanic origin. The verb form ("to shore up") emerged later, metaphorically extending the idea of providing support like a shoreline stabilizes land.

Examples

  1. We walked along the shore, collecting seashells.

  2. The ship anchored close to the shore.

  3. Engineers shored up the collapsing bridge with steel beams.

  4. The storm eroded the shore, threatening nearby homes.

  5. She sat on the shore, watching the sunset over the lake.