ebb Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a gradual decline (in size or strength or power or number)
    ebbing; wane.
  2. noun the outward flow of the tide
    reflux.
  3. verb flow back or recede
    ebb off; ebb out; ebb down; ebb away.
    • the tides ebbed at noon
  4. verb hem in fish with stakes and nets so as to prevent them from going back into the sea with the ebb
  5. verb fall away or decline
    • The patient's strength ebbed away

WordNet

Ebb noun
Definitions
  1. (Zoöl.) The European bunting.
Ebb noun
Etymology
AS. ebba; akin to Fries. ebba, D. eb, ebbe, Dan. & G. ebbe, Sw. ebb, cf. Goth. ibuks backward; prob. akin to E. even.
Definitions
  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.
    Thou shoreless flood which in thy ebb and flow Claspest the limits of morality! Shelley.
  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.
    Painting was then at its lowest ebb. Dryden.
    This alternation between unhealthy activity and depression, this ebb and flow of the industrial. A. T. Hadley.
Ebb intransitive verb
Etymology
AS. ebbian; akin to D. & G. ebben, Dan. ebbe. See 2d Ebb.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Ebbed ; present participle & verbal noun Ebbing
Definitions
  1. To flow back; to return, as the water of a tide toward the ocean; -- opposed to flow.
    That Power who bids the ocean ebb and flow. Pope.
  2. To return or fall back from a better to a worse state; to decline; to decay; to recede.
    The hours of life ebb fast. Blackmore.
    Syn. -- To recede; retire; withdraw; decay; decrease; wane; sink; lower.
Ebb transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To cause to flow back. Obs. Ford.
Ebb adjective
Definitions
  1. Receding; going out; falling; shallow; low.
    The water there is otherwise very low and ebb. Holland.

Webster 1913