noun
ebb
ehb
noun
1
The falling back of the tide as it moves away from the shore.
"We waited for the ebb before wading out to check the lobster pots."
2
A gradual decline or weakening.
"His enthusiasm for the project was clearly on the ebb."
"Support for the policy reached its ebb just before the election."
verb
1
To flow back or recede, like a tide; to gradually weaken or fade.
"Her confidence ebbed as the interview went on."
"The tide ebbs and flows twice a day along this coast."
How to Use Ebb
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe pulling-back of a tide, or more generally a gradual weakening or fading of something.
Memory tip
Often paired with "flow" in the phrase "ebb and flow," meaning a natural rise and fall.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
ebb and flow
ebb tide
at a low ebb
ebbed away
Word Forms
ebber comparative, ebbed past tense, ebbs plural, ebbs singular, ebbest superlative
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Etymology
From Old English ebba, referring to the outgoing tide — ultimately from a Germanic root meaning "off" or "away," the same idea behind the modern word "of."