Pronunciation: /riːf/

Definitions of reef

noun a ridge of jagged rock, coral, or sand just above or below the surface of the sea

Example Sentences

A1 I saw a colorful reef while snorkeling.

A2 The reef was teeming with marine life.

B1 Coral reefs are important ecosystems for many marine species.

B2 Diving among the coral reef was a breathtaking experience.

C1 The scientist conducted research on the health of the reef ecosystem.

C2 Conservation efforts are underway to protect the fragile reef from further damage.

verb not applicable

Example Sentences

A1 I reefed the sail to make it smaller.

A2 The sailor reefed the mainsail in preparation for the storm.

B1 The diver carefully reefed the coral to avoid damaging it.

B2 The experienced surfer knows how to reef the waves to catch the best rides.

C1 The marine biologist studied how fish reef the rocks in search of food.

C2 The expert sailor can reef the sails quickly and efficiently in changing weather conditions.

adjective not applicable

Example Sentences

A1 The reef fish were colorful and beautiful.

A2 We went snorkeling at the reef and saw many different types of fish.

B1 The reef ecosystem is a delicate balance of plants and animals.

B2 Diving at the reef was an unforgettable experience.

C1 The scientist conducted research on the reef's biodiversity.

C2 The conservation efforts have helped protect the reef from further damage.

adverb not applicable

Example Sentences

A1 The fish swam near the reef.

A2 The diver explored the reef carefully.

B1 The boat anchored near the reef for snorkeling.

B2 The coral reef was teeming with colorful marine life.

C1 The scientists conducted research on the reef ecosystem.

C2 The conservation efforts have helped protect the fragile reef environment.

pronoun not applicable

Example Sentences

A1 I saw a reef while snorkeling.

A2 The reef was full of colorful fish.

B1 The reef we visited last summer was teeming with marine life.

B2 The reef, which we explored on a diving trip, was breathtaking.

C1 The conservation efforts to protect the reef have been successful.

C2 The scientist's research on the reef ecosystem was groundbreaking.

preposition not applicable

Example Sentences

A1 The fish swam around the reef.

A2 We snorkeled near the reef.

B1 The divers explored the reef's ecosystem.

B2 The scientists conducted research on the reef's biodiversity.

C1 The conservationists worked to protect the reef from environmental threats.

C2 The marine biologists studied the reef's coral bleaching phenomenon.

conjunction not applicable

Example Sentences

A1 I like to swim near the reef and see all the colorful fish.

A2 The reef is a beautiful place to explore while snorkeling.

B1 The reef provides a habitat for a diverse range of marine life.

B2 The coral reef is a fragile ecosystem that needs to be protected.

C1 The conservation efforts have helped to preserve the reef for future generations.

C2 The reef acts as a barrier against strong ocean currents, protecting the coastline.

interjection not applicable

Example Sentences

A1 Reef! That's a big fish.

A2 Reef! Look at all the colorful coral.

B1 Reef! I can't believe how clear the water is.

B2 Reef! Let's go snorkeling and see the marine life.

C1 Reef! The biodiversity in this area is truly remarkable.

C2 Reef! The conservation efforts here are making a real difference.

article not applicable

Example Sentences

A1 I saw a colorful reef while snorkeling.

A2 The reef was teeming with fish and other marine life.

B1 Conservation efforts are being made to protect the fragile reef ecosystem.

B2 Divers can explore the reef and discover hidden caves and tunnels.

C1 Scientists are studying the effects of climate change on coral reefs.

C2 The reef's biodiversity is unparalleled in this region.

Examples of reef in a Sentence

formal The coral reef is home to a diverse range of marine life.

informal Let's go snorkeling and check out the reef!

slang That reef is lit, dude!

figurative She navigated through the treacherous waters like a ship avoiding a reef.

Grammatical Forms of reef

past tense

reefed

plural

reefs

comparative

more reefy

superlative

most reefy

present tense

reefs

future tense

will reef

perfect tense

have reefed

continuous tense

is reefing

singular

reef

positive degree

reef

infinitive

to reef

gerund

reefing

participle

reefing

Origin and Evolution of reef

First Known Use: 1300 year
Language of Origin: Middle Low German
Story behind the word: The word 'reef' originated from Middle Low German 'rēf' meaning 'rock, reef'.
Evolution of the word: Originally used to refer to rocks or ridges in the sea, the term 'reef' evolved to also describe a chain or line of rocks, sand, coral, or other material lying beneath the surface of the water. In modern usage, it commonly refers to a ridge of rocks, sand, or coral near the surface of the water.