1
: a part of a sail taken in or let out in regulating size
2
: reduction in sail area by reefing
reefed; reefing; reefs
1
: to reduce the area of (a sail) by rolling or folding a portion
2
: to lower or bring inboard (a spar) wholly or partially
: to reduce a sail by taking in a reef
1
a
: a chain of rocks or coral or a ridge of sand at or near the surface of water compare atoll, barrier reef
b
: a hazardous obstruction
Examples of reef in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Cat Cardenas, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
The reefs have taken their share of ships since then, ironically making the waters around the island a diver’s paradise.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2025
The massive swells are caused by the deepwater reefs, not recommended for novice surfers or swimmers.
—Mariette Williams, AFAR Media, 7 Apr. 2025
Why Being Passive Is Key When Diving With Manta Rays In The Maldives
The Manta Trust reported over 104,000 sightings of more than 5,500 different reef manta rays throughout 20 years in the Maldives, making the population here the largest in the world.
—Emese MacZko, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reef
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Noun
The soundscape mimicked the sounds of a coral reef alongside dynamic lighting intended to depict a lifeless and pale reef regenerating to become a healthy reef bursting with life.
—Cat Cardenas, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
The reefs have taken their share of ships since then, ironically making the waters around the island a diver’s paradise.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2025
The massive swells are caused by the deepwater reefs, not recommended for novice surfers or swimmers.
—Mariette Williams, AFAR Media, 7 Apr. 2025
Why Being Passive Is Key When Diving With Manta Rays In The Maldives
The Manta Trust reported over 104,000 sightings of more than 5,500 different reef manta rays throughout 20 years in the Maldives, making the population here the largest in the world.
—Emese MacZko, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reef
Cite this Entry
“Reef.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reef. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
reef
1 of 3 noun1
: a part of a sail taken in or let out in regulating size
2
: the reduction in sail area made by reefing
reef
2 of 3 verb
: to reduce the area of (a sail) by rolling or folding a portion
reef
3 of 3 noun
: a chain of rocks or coral or a ridge of sand at or near the surface of water
Etymology
Noun
Middle English riff "reef of a sail"; of Norse origin
Noun
from Dutch rif "reef of rocks or sand"; of Scandinavian origin
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