marsh

noun

ˈmärsh How to pronounce marsh (audio)
Synonyms of marsh
often attributive
: a tract of soft wet land usually characterized by monocotyledons (such as grasses or cattails)

Synonyms of marsh

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Examples of marsh in a Sentence

a wide expanse of marsh the marshes along the coast support a remarkable profusion of plants and animals
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Water levels across sawgrass marshes dropped below normal and, in some places, below ground. — Jenny Staletovich, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026 Editor’s pick More picks A rare bird draws flocks of Southern California birders to this Irvine marsh to get a glimpse. — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 But in the swamps and marshes, oaks are isolated on the islands. — Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 27 Aug. 2026 Alligators, by contrast, are freshwater dwellers that populate lakes, ponds and marshes across the state. — Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for marsh

Word History

Etymology

Middle English mersh, from Old English merisc, mersc; akin to Middle Dutch mersch marsh, Old English mere sea, pool — more at marine

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of marsh was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing marsh

Rhymes for marsh

See All Rhymes for marsh

Browse Nearby Words

Marseilles soap
marsh
Marsh
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Cite this Entry

“Marsh.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/marsh. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

marsh

noun
ˈmärsh How to pronounce marsh (audio)
: an area of soft wet land usually overgrown by grasses and sedges
marshy
ˈmär-shē
adjective

Biographical Definition

Marsh

biographical name

ˈmärsh How to pronounce Marsh (audio)
Dame (Edith) Ngaio ˈnī-(ˌ)ō How to pronounce Marsh (audio) 1899–1982 New Zealand writer

More from Merriam-Webster on marsh

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about marsh

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