onshore
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈɒnʃɔː/
KK: /ˈɑnˌʃɔr/
adjective
Definition
Describing something that is located on or near the land next to a body of water, especially in contrast to being in deep water.
Example
The onshore wind helped to bring cooler temperatures to the beach.
Conversation
I heard there's a new restaurant opening onshore this weekend.
Oh really? That sounds interesting!
Yeah, I can't wait to try their seafood dishes.
Same here! It’ll be nice to enjoy a meal by the water.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
coastal
landward
shoreline
Antonyms
offshore
distant
remote
adverb
Definition
In the direction of the shore or land from the sea.
Example
The wind shifted onshore, bringing warmer air to the coast.
Conversation
Did you feel that breeze coming onshore?
Yeah, it feels refreshing!
I love when the wind shifts like that.
Root Explanation
Onshore → It is formed from "on" (meaning in a position of contact with) and "shore" (from Old English "sceor", meaning the land along the edge of a sea or lake). The word "onshore" refers to something located on or towards the land from the sea.
Memory Tip
Think of being 'in contact with' ('on') the 'land' ('shore') — that's why onshore means something that is on the land.
Visually Confused Words
longshore
downshore
unshore
inshore
shore
alongshore
unshored
offshore