rip current
noun
: a strong usually narrow surface current flowing outward from a shore that results from the return flow of waves and wind-driven water
Examples of rip current in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Longshore currents can sweep swimmers and surfers into rip currents, piers, jetties, and other hazardous areas.
—
Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 Sep. 2025
Since 2010, more than 800 people have died in rip current drownings.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
In August, Hurricane Erin brought heavy rain and strong winds to the northeast Caribbean before growing in size and churning up high surf and dangerous rip currents along the East Coast.
—Chris Dolce, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), rip currents can travel at speeds of up to 8 feet per second, faster than an Olympic swimmer.
—Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rip current
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Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 Sep. 2025
Since 2010, more than 800 people have died in rip current drownings.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
In August, Hurricane Erin brought heavy rain and strong winds to the northeast Caribbean before growing in size and churning up high surf and dangerous rip currents along the East Coast.
—Chris Dolce, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), rip currents can travel at speeds of up to 8 feet per second, faster than an Olympic swimmer.
—Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rip current
Cite this Entry
“Rip current.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rip%20current. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.
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