'Ebb' definitions:

Definition of 'ebb'

From: WordNet
noun
A gradual decline (in size or strength or power or number) [syn: ebb, ebbing, wane]
noun
The outward flow of the tide [syn: ebb, reflux]
verb
Flow back or recede; "the tides ebbed at noon" [syn: ebb, ebb away, ebb down, ebb out, ebb off] [ant: surge, tide]
verb
Hem in fish with stakes and nets so as to prevent them from going back into the sea with the ebb
verb
Fall away or decline; "The patient's strength ebbed away"

Definition of 'Ebb'

From: GCIDE
  • Ebb \Ebb\, a. Receding; going out; falling; shallow; low. [1913 Webster]
  • The water there is otherwise very low and ebb. --Holland. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Ebb'

From: GCIDE
  • Ebb \Ebb\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Ebbed; p. pr. & vb. n. Ebbing.] [AS. ebbian; akin to D. & G. ebben, Dan. ebbe. See
  • 2d Ebb.]
  • 1. To flow back; to return, as the water of a tide toward the ocean; -- opposed to flow. [1913 Webster]
  • That Power who bids the ocean ebb and flow. --Pope. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. To return or fall back from a better to a worse state; to decline; to decay; to recede. [1913 Webster]
  • The hours of life ebb fast. --Blackmore.
  • Syn: To recede; retire; withdraw; decay; decrease; wane; sink; lower. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Ebb'

From: GCIDE
  • Ebb \Ebb\ ([e^]b), n. (Zo["o]l.) The European bunting. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Ebb'

From: GCIDE
  • Ebb \Ebb\, n. [AS. ebba; akin to Fries. ebba, D. eb, ebbe, Dan. & G. ebbe, Sw. ebb, cf. Goth. ibuks backward; prob. akin to E. even.]
  • 1. The reflux or flowing back of the tide; the return of the tidal wave toward the sea; -- opposed to flood; as, the boats will go out on the ebb. [1913 Webster]
  • Thou shoreless flood which in thy ebb and flow Claspest the limits of morality! --Shelley. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. The state or time of passing away; a falling from a better to a worse state; low state or condition; decline; decay. "Our ebb of life." --Roscommon. [1913 Webster]
  • Painting was then at its lowest ebb. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
  • Ebb and flow, the alternate ebb and flood of the tide; often used figuratively. [1913 Webster]
  • This alternation between unhealthy activity and depression, this ebb and flow of the industrial. --A. T. Hadley. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Ebb'

From: GCIDE
  • Ebb \Ebb\, v. t. To cause to flow back. [Obs.] --Ford. [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'ebb'

From: Moby Thesaurus