red sea: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to formal; primarily used in geographical, historical, and travel contexts.
Quick answer
What does “red sea” mean?
A major saltwater inlet of the Indian Ocean, located between Africa and Asia.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A major saltwater inlet of the Indian Ocean, located between Africa and Asia.
Refers geographically to the sea itself, and historically/biblically to the body of water crossed by the Israelites during the Exodus. Can also refer to the geopolitical region surrounding it.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Minor variations in associated place names and historical narrative emphasis.
Connotations
Strong biblical/historical connotations in both varieties. Also connotes scuba diving, trade routes, and modern geopolitics.
Frequency
Similar frequency, likely slightly higher in UK English due to greater historical colonial and travel connections to the region.
Grammar
How to Use “red sea” in a Sentence
[Geographical Entity] borders/is located on the Red Sea.The [Event/Story] of the Red Sea.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “red sea” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The expedition aims to Red Sea-map the northern coral beds.
- They plan to Red Sea-dive next summer.
American English
- The company will Red Sea-survey the proposed pipeline route.
- He has Red Sea-fished for years.
adverb
British English
- The ship sailed Red Sea-wards.
- They travelled Red Sea-side for the conference.
American English
- The trade flows Red Sea-ward.
- The migrants moved Red Sea-area last year.
adjective
British English
- The Red Sea coastline is spectacular.
- We studied Red Sea maritime history.
American English
- The Red Sea shoreline is arid.
- She specializes in Red Sea archaeology.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to shipping lanes, trade routes, and regional economic projects (e.g., Red Sea tourism development).
Academic
Used in geography, history, religious studies, marine biology, and archaeology contexts.
Everyday
Primarily in discussions of travel, holidays, biblical stories, or world news about the region.
Technical
In oceanography, geology, and maritime navigation.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “red sea”
- Writing it in lower case ('red sea').
- Confusing it with the 'Dead Sea'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Occasionally. The water can appear reddish-brown during seasonal blooms of the algae Trichodesmium erythraeum.
Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Jordan, and Israel (via the Gulf of Aqaba).
It is a central miracle narrative in the Book of Exodus (Hebrew Bible/Old Testament), where Moses parts the sea to allow the Israelites to escape from Egypt.
It is a critical global shipping chokepoint (via the Suez Canal), a major tourism destination for diving, and a region of significant geopolitical interest.
A major saltwater inlet of the Indian Ocean, located between Africa and Asia.
Red sea is usually neutral to formal; primarily used in geographical, historical, and travel contexts. in register.
Red sea: in British English it is pronounced /ˌred ˈsiː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌrɛd ˈsiː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Parting of the Red Sea (a miraculous or highly unlikely rescue or solution)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a sea with RED coral and seaweed, or the biblical story where the sea turned RED with the blood of the Egyptian army (a common artistic depiction).
Conceptual Metaphor
A BARRIER or GATEWAY. Historically, a barrier to be crossed; in modern times, a gateway for trade and migration.
Practice
Quiz
What is the 'Red Sea' most commonly associated with, beyond its geographical definition?