Definition

A type of wave that has a foamy top, often seen in the ocean when the water is choppy or windy.

Example

The surfers were excited to ride the whitecaps on the ocean.

Conversation

Did you see those huge waves at the beach yesterday?

Yeah, they were amazing, especially the whitecap ones!

I love how they look when the sun hits the foam.

Me too! It makes the ocean look so vibrant.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Whitecap → It is formed from "white" (from Old English "hwita", meaning bright or light in color) and "cap" (from Old English "cæppe", meaning a covering or top). The word "whitecap" refers to the white foam or crest that forms on the top of waves, resembling a cap that is white in color.

Memory Tip

Think of the color 'white' representing brightness and the word 'cap' meaning a covering. This helps you remember that a whitecap is the white foam that covers the top of waves.

Visually Confused Words