shoal
Plural
shoals
1
a large number of fish swimming together
- As the fishermen approached, they noticed a massive shoal of shimmering sardines swirling beneath the surface of the water.
- Dolphins are often seen herding shoals of fish, working together to corral their prey for an easy catch.
- The predator silently stalked the edge of the shoal, waiting for the opportune moment to strike and snatch its meal.
- The underwater camera captured breathtaking footage of colorful coral reefs teeming with vibrant shoals of tropical fish.
- Seabirds dove into the water, eager to feast on the abundant shoal of anchovies migrating along the coast.
Synonyms:
3
a submerged or partially exposed accumulation of sand or sediment, typically visible at low tide
- The beach revealed a shoal as the tide receded.
- Sailors marked the shoal on their charts to warn others.
- The fisherman's boat grounded briefly on a shoal.
- Wildlife often inhabits the shoal exposed during low water.
- Coastal erosion altered the shape of the shoal over time.