whitecap

noun

white·​cap ˈ(h)wīt-ˌkap How to pronounce whitecap (audio)
: a wave crest breaking into white foam
usually used in plural

Examples of whitecap in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This is the largest whitecap on what has been a massive wave of consolidation this year in the global insurance sector. Kia Kokalitcheva, Axios, 2 Aug. 2024 It was built as a global cruising yacht, though its ability to excel in stiff winds and whitecaps has led to success on the competitive regatta circuit. Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 13 June 2024 Located roughly 1,300 light-years away, the celestial feature resembles a silhouette of a horse's head and neck emerging from what appears to astronomers like whitecaps of interstellar foam. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 1 May 2024 Wind asserted itself in the District on Saturday by throbbing in the ears, raising whitecaps on the Potomac River and setting twigs, branches and leaves into frenzied tossing, fluttering and nodding. Martin Weil, Washington Post, 13 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for whitecap 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'whitecap.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1773, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of whitecap was in 1773

Dictionary Entries Near whitecap

Cite this Entry

“Whitecap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whitecap. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

whitecap

noun
white·​cap ˈhwīt-ˌkap How to pronounce whitecap (audio)
ˈwīt-
: the top of a wave breaking into foam
usually used in plural

More from Merriam-Webster on whitecap

Last Updated: - Definition revised
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!