celebes sea: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic, Technical (Geography, Geopolitics, Marine Biology)
Quick answer
What does “celebes sea” mean?
A specific geographical body of water in Southeast Asia, bordered by the Philippines to the north and northeast, Borneo to the west, Sulawesi (Celebes) to the south, and the Sulu Archipelago to the east.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specific geographical body of water in Southeast Asia, bordered by the Philippines to the north and northeast, Borneo to the west, Sulawesi (Celebes) to the south, and the Sulu Archipelago to the east.
A region of strategic maritime importance, often referenced in geopolitical, economic, and environmental contexts concerning shipping lanes, biodiversity, and territorial claims.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage. Both varieties treat it as a standard proper noun for the sea.
Connotations
Neutral geographical term in both dialects. May carry subtle historical connotations related to colonial era naming ('Celebes' is the older colonial name for Sulawesi).
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, appearing primarily in specialized texts, news reports on the region, and academic papers.
Grammar
How to Use “celebes sea” in a Sentence
[Subject] is located in the Celebes Sea.[Subject] borders the Celebes Sea to the [direction].The [ship/submarine] patrolled the Celebes Sea.[Geopolitical issue] centres on the Celebes Sea.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “celebes sea” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Celebes Sea trade routes
- Celebes Sea maritime boundaries
American English
- Celebes Sea fisheries
- Celebes Sea piracy incidents
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussed in shipping, logistics, and energy (oil and gas exploration) reports. e.g., 'The new route reduces transit time through the Celebes Sea.'
Academic
Frequent in geography, oceanography, political science, and environmental studies journals. e.g., 'The tectonic evolution of the Celebes Sea basin is complex.'
Everyday
Rare, except in travel writing or news about piracy, maritime incidents, or natural disasters in the region.
Technical
Used in nautical charts, maritime law, fisheries management, and meteorological bulletins (e.g., typhoon tracking).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “celebes sea”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “celebes sea”
- Misspelling as 'Celebes Sea', 'Celebes sea' (incorrect capitalisation), or 'Celebes Sea' (dropping the 's'). Using it as a common noun, e.g., 'a celebes sea' (incorrect). Confusing it with the adjacent Sulu Sea.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are adjacent but distinct bodies of water. The Celebes Sea is south of the Philippines and east of Borneo, while the Sulu Sea is north of Borneo and west of the Philippines' Visayas islands.
It is named after the island of Celebes, the former colonial name for Sulawesi, which forms its southern border. The name persists in international usage alongside 'Sulawesi Sea'.
Primarily in geographical texts, academic papers on Southeast Asian geopolitics or marine biology, international news reports about maritime security or natural disasters in the region, and on world maps or nautical charts.
In British English, it is /ˈsɛlɪbiːz/ (SEL-i-beez). In American English, it is commonly /ˈsɛləˌbiz/ (SEL-uh-beez). The stress is on the first syllable.
A specific geographical body of water in Southeast Asia, bordered by the Philippines to the north and northeast, Borneo to the west, Sulawesi (Celebes) to the south, and the Sulu Archipelago to the east.
Celebes sea is usually formal, academic, technical (geography, geopolitics, marine biology) in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'SELL-a-BEES' in the SEA. Imagine selling jars of honey from bees that live on an island in this sea.
Conceptual Metaphor
A LIQUID HIGHWAY (for trade, migration, conflict); A BIOLOGICAL CORRIDOR (for marine species).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary linguistic function of the term 'Celebes Sea'?