NYT Dictionary

LITTORAL

/ˈlɪtəɹəl/
AdjectiveNounLIT-to-rallit-to-ral · 3 syllablesCollege

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2021, 2023, 2025

Meaning

Of or relating to the shore, especially the seashore.

Etymology

Origin: Latin

From Late Latin littoralis, from litoris (genitive of litus). The doubled 't' is a late medieval addition, and the more classical litoral is also sometimes found. Cognate to French littoral, Spanish litoral, Portuguese litoral, and more distantly to English lido (“outdoor pool”), via Italian lido (“beach, shore”).

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

intertidalmaritimeintertidal zoneforeshorelittoral rangelitoralsandsaquaticbankbeach

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 2 recorded puzzles:

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