ebb

[ eb ]

noun

1. the flowing back of the tide as the water returns to the sea ( flood, flow ).
2. a flowing backward or away; decline or decay:

   the ebb of a once great nation.

3. a point of decline:

   His fortunes were at a low ebb.

verb (used without object)

1. to flow back or away, as the water of a tide ( flow ).

   Synonyms: retire, recede, abate, subside

2. to decline or decay; fade away:

   His life is gradually ebbing.

   Synonyms: decrease, diminish, dwindle

ebb

/ ɛb /

verb

1. (of tide water) to flow back or recede Compare flow
2. to fall away or decline

noun

1. 1. the flowing back of the tide from high to low water or the period in which this takes place
   2. ( as modifier ) Compare flood

      the ebb tide

2. at a low ebb
   in a state or period of weakness, lack of vigour, or decline

Other Words From

• un·ebbed adjective
• un·ebbing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ebb¹

before 1000; (noun) Middle English eb ( be ), Old English ebba; cognate with Old Frisian ebba, Dutch eb ( be ), German Ebbe ebb, Old Norse efja place where water backs up; (v.) Middle English ebben, Old English ebbian, derivative of the noun; akin to off

Word History and Origins

Origin of ebb¹

Old English ebba; related to Old Norse efja river bend, Gothic ibuks moving backwards, Old High German ippihōn to roll backwards, Middle Dutch ebbe ebb

Idioms and Phrases

• at a low ebb