DictionarysoundWater passage
noun

sound

A stretch of water between areas of land.

A ferry carries passengers across the sound each morning.

Etymology

Old Norse sund names a strait or stretch of water. The geographical sense preserves that channel separating areas of land.

More examples

  • The islands shelter a broad sound.
  • Fishing boats gathered in the sound.
  • Strong currents flow through several nearby sounds.

Forms

sound · sounds

Similar words

strait
Usually describes a narrower passage connecting larger bodies of water.
channel
Usually emphasizes a passage navigable between bodies of water.