upwelling

1 of 2

noun

up·​well·​ing ˌəp-ˈwe-liŋ How to pronounce upwelling (audio)
Synonyms of upwellingnext
: the process or an instance of rising or appearing to rise to the surface and flowing outward
especially : the process of upward movement to the ocean surface of deeper cold usually nutrient-rich waters especially along some shores due to the offshore movement of surface waters (as from the action of winds and the Coriolis force)

upwelling

2 of 2

present participle of upwell

Examples of upwelling in a Sentence

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.
Noun
Sure, the upwelling of relief that greeted Nvidia's strong results and bold guidance was dramatic. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026 Exceptionally warm surface water blocked the usual upwelling of cool, nutrient-rich water that fuels the food chain for marine life. — Julia Cole, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026 This process produces stronger upwelling, which, in turn, results in more plankton and fish near the surface and greater yields of anchovies, sardines, and other commercial fishes. — John P. Rafferty, Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 Aug. 2026 Warm water sloshes eastward across thousands of miles of open ocean, and the cold upwelling off Ecuador slows or shuts down entirely. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for upwelling

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1868, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of upwelling was in 1868

Rhymes for upwelling

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Browse Nearby Words

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upwelling
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Cite this Entry

“Upwelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upwelling. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

upwelling

noun
up·​well·​ing ˌəp-ˈwel-iŋ How to pronounce upwelling (audio)
: the process or an example of rising or appearing to rise to the surface and flowing outward
especially : the process of movement of deeper cooler layers of ocean water that are often rich in nourishing substances to the surface

More from Merriam-Webster on upwelling

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for upwelling

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about upwelling

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