whitecap

noun

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

Examples of whitecap 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.
There’s no such thing as a basic room here; even the smallest ones, at 240 to 260 square feet, look out over the bluffs to whitecaps winking in the sun. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026 In fall, frosty whitecaps splash along the Lake Erie shore, sending visitors scuttling inland just in time for leaf peeping and wine tasting. — Hannah Agran, Midwest Living, 12 Sep. 2026 Crispen said that at this time of year there are typically whitecaps in the water from wind, which is challenging. — Phil Helsel, NBC news, 15 July 2026 Windy conditions were generating whitecaps on the water, making visibility challenging for rescuers on Tuesday evening, Crispen said. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for whitecap

Word History

First Known Use

1773, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of whitecap was in 1773

Rhymes for whitecap

See All Rhymes for whitecap

Browse Nearby Words

white cankerroot
whitecap
white carp
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Whitecap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whitecap. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for whitecap

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about whitecap

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