shoreline
UK: ˈʃɔːlaɪn | US: ˈʃɔːrlaɪn
n. the line where a body of water meets the land; the boundary between land and water
The word "shoreline" is a compound of "shore" (from Old English scora, meaning "land bordering water") and "line" (from Latin linea, meaning "string, mark"). It emerged in the early 19th century to describe the visible boundary where water and land intersect. The morphemes combine logically to denote a clear demarcation, reflecting the word's practical use in geography and navigation.
The shoreline was eroded by the relentless waves.
We walked along the shoreline, collecting seashells.
The map clearly marks the shoreline of the lake.
Rising sea levels threaten to alter the shoreline permanently.
The artist painted a vivid sunset over the shoreline.