Undertow Meaning in English

word

US

ˈəndɝˌtoʊ

UN-der-toh

UK

ˌʌndətˈəʊ

UN-duh-TOH

Definition

A strong current of water below the surface that moves away from the shore, often at the beach. It can pull swimmers out to deeper water.

Usage & Nuances

Used mainly in the context of beaches and ocean safety; always refers to water pulling away from the shore, not toward it. 'Undertow' is sometimes confused with 'rip current', though a rip current is usually stronger and more dangerous.

• Spanish: resaca (del mar) - corriente de retorno
• Portuguese (BR): ressaca (do mar) - corrente de retorno
• Portuguese (PT): ressaca (do mar) - corrente de retorno
• Chinese (Simplified): 离岸流 - 暗流
• Chinese (Traditional): 離岸流 - 暗流
• Hindi: अंडरटो (समुद्री धारा) - वापसी प्रवाह
• Arabic: تيار ساحلي عكسي - تيار سفلي
• Bengali: আন্তর্দ্রোত
• Russian: подводное течение
• Japanese: 離岸流 - アンダートウ
• Vietnamese: dòng xoáy ngầm
• Korean: 이안류 - 언더토
• Turkish: akıntı (denizin altından kıyıdan açığa doğru)
• Urdu: زیرسطحی بہاؤ
• Indonesian: arus bawah - arus dasar

Example Sentences

The undertow at this beach can be very strong.

basic

Be careful, the undertow could pull you out to sea.

basic

Many swimmers are not aware of the undertow.

basic

I almost got caught by the undertow while surfing last summer.

natural

Even strong swimmers can struggle against a powerful undertow.

natural

There's always a bit of an undertow at this spot, so stay alert.

natural