grand banks: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

It is typically treated as a singular proper noun when referring to the region as a whole (e.g., 'The Grand Banks is...'), but the plural form is also commonly used, especially in historical texts referencing the multiple shoals or 'banks' that make up the area.

The shallow waters allow sunlight to penetrate, promoting plankton growth. This is combined with nutrient mixing from the cold Labrador Current meeting the warm Gulf Stream, creating an ideal environment for fish.

Intensive overfishing, primarily by large factory trawlers in the mid-20th century, led to the catastrophic collapse of the cod stocks. A moratorium on cod fishing was declared in 1992, from which the population has not fully recovered.

Not as a tourist destination. It is an offshore area of open ocean. However, one can visit the coastal communities of Newfoundland, like St. John's, whose history and culture are deeply intertwined with the Grand Banks fishery.

A major fishing area of submerged plateaus southeast of Newfoundland, Canada, known for its shallow, nutrient-rich waters and historically important cod fisheries.

Grand banks is usually formal, technical, historical in register.

Grand banks: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡrænd ˈbæŋks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡrænd ˈbæŋks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.