marine

Pluralmarines

1. 1
   of the seaadjective

   Of the sea, or living in the sea.

   The reef is full of colorful marine life.

   Whales and dolphins are marine animals that live their whole lives in the sea.

   UsageUsually before a noun: marine life, marine animals.

   Note
2. 2
   nouncountable

   A soldier trained to fight from ships and along the coast.

   Her brother became a marine after finishing high school.

   The marines stormed the beach at dawn.

   UsageOften written with a capital M: a Marine.

   Note
3. 3
   military branchnounplural

   The Marines: the part of a country's armed forces whose soldiers fight from ships and on land.

   Her brother joined the Marines right after high school.

   In the United States, the Marines are a smaller branch than the Army.

   UsageSay the Marines: he joined the Marines, she served in the Marines.

   Note
4. 4
   adjective

   Having to do with ships, sailing, or the navy.

   He works in marine insurance, covering ships and their cargo.

   The town's marine industry depends on the busy port.

   Similarmaritime, nautical, naval

5. 5
   adjective

   Made or changed so it can be used on or in the sea.

   He put a marine radio on his small fishing boat.

   These ropes are marine quality, made to last in salt water.

6. 6
   country's fleetnoun

   All of a country's ships. Today it is used mostly in "merchant marine," a country's trading ships and crews.

   My grandfather sailed with the merchant marine for ten years.

   Her grandfather sailed with the merchant marine during the war.

   Note

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