sea

[ see ]
/ si /

noun

adjective

of, relating to, or adapted for use at sea.

Idioms for sea

Origin of sea

before 900; Middle English see, Old English sǣ; cognate with Dutch zee, German See, Old Norse sær sea, Gothic saiws marsh

British Dictionary definitions for at sea

sea
/ (siː) /

noun

Word Origin for sea

Old English sǣ; related to Old Norse sǣr, Old Frisian sē, Gothic saiws, Old High German sēo

Scientific definitions for at sea

sea
[ sē ]

The continuous body of salt water that covers most of the Earth's surface.
A region of water within an ocean and partly enclosed by land, such as the North Sea. See Note at ocean.
A large body of either fresh or salt water that is completely enclosed by land, such as the Caspian Sea.
Astronomy A mare.

Idioms and Phrases with at sea (1 of 2)

at sea

1

Aboard a ship, on the ocean, as in Within a few hours the ship would be out at sea. During World War II a famous American newscaster addressed his radio broadcasts to listeners everywhere, including “all the ships at sea.” [1300s]

2

Also, all at sea. Perplexed, bewildered, as in She was all at sea in these new surroundings. This idiom transfers the condition of a vessel that has lost its bearings to the human mind. Charles Dickens used it in Little Dorrit (1855): “Mrs. Tickit ... was so plainly at sea on this part of the case.” [Second half of 1700s]

Idioms and Phrases with at sea (2 of 2)

sea