Ebb — Defs

01 n. The European bunting.

02 n. The reflux or flowing back of the tide; the return of the tidal wave toward the sea; -- opposed to flood; as, the boats will go out on the ebb.

1.
The reflux or flowing back of the tide; the return of the tidal wave toward the sea; -- opposed to flood; as, the boats will go out on the ebb.
“Thou shoreless flood which in thy ebb and flow Claspest the limits of morality!” — Shelley.
2.
The state or time of passing away; a falling from a better to a worse state; low state or condition; decline; decay.
“Painting was then at its lowest ebb.” — Dryden.

“This alternation between unhealthy activity and depression, this ebb and flow of the industrial.” — A. T. Hadley.

Phrases & compounds

Ebb and flow — the alternate ebb and flood of the tide; often used figuratively.

03 v. i. To flow back; to return, as the water of a tide toward the ocean; -- opposed to flow.

imp. & p. p. Ebbed; p. pr. & vb. n. Ebbing

1.
To flow back; to return, as the water of a tide toward the ocean; -- opposed to flow.
“That Power who bids the ocean ebb and flow.” — Pope.
2.
To return or fall back from a better to a worse state; to decline; to decay; to recede.
“The hours of life ebb fast.” — Blackmore.

Syn. To recede; retire; withdraw; decay; decrease; wane; sink; lower.

04 v. t. To cause to flow back.

05 a. Receding; going out; falling; shallow; low.

1.
Receding; going out; falling; shallow; low.
“The water there is otherwise very low and ebb.” — Holland.