English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word shoal in English

What does shoal mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

shoal

US /ʃoʊl/
UK /ʃoʊl/
"shoal" picture

Noun

1.

a large number of fish swimming together as a group

Example:
•
A large shoal of fish swam past the boat.
•
We saw a beautiful shoal of tropical fish while snorkeling.
Synonym:
schoolswarmflockherdpack
2.

an area of shallow water, especially one caused by a sandbank or sandbar

Example:
•
The boat ran aground on a hidden shoal.
•
Navigators must be careful to avoid the dangerous shoals near the coast.
Synonym:
sandbanksandbarreefflatshallow

Verb

1.

to become shallow

Example:
•
The river began to shoal as we approached the delta.
•
The water shoaled rapidly near the shore, making it difficult for larger boats.
Synonym:
shallowgroundstrandbeachrun aground
2.

to form a shoal (of fish)

Example:
•
The young salmon began to shoal in the estuary.
•
When threatened, the small fish will shoal together for protection.
Synonym:
schoolgathercongregateassemblecollect
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