Shoal

A shoal can refer to two distinct concepts: (1) A shallow area in a body of water, such as a lake, sea, or river, or (2) A large group of fish swimming together. As a shallow area, a shoal poses a navigational hazard and often contains sand, rock, or coral. This formation is typically a submerged landform and can make the water appear turbid. As a collective noun, a shoal of fish displays coordinated movement, often for protection, feeding, or reproduction, typically used with larger fish in the open water, away from the shore.

Shoal meaning with examples

• The ship ran aground on a hidden shoal, leaving the passengers stranded. The crew struggled for days to get it afloat as they waited for high tide. Fortunately, a nearby vessel was able to give them assistance. The shoal had formed over years as shifting sands collected.
• Sunbathers waded through the shallows to reach a sand shoal, creating a natural swimming area, the gentle waves and clear water creating a tranquil environment. Kids played in the water enjoying the sunshine. The sand shoal extended quite far, so people enjoyed the wading.
• A magnificent shoal of shimmering silver fish swam near the surface. The spectacle was mesmerizing, their synchronised motion captivating. The shoal moved through the ocean depths, seemingly to elude predators or find feeding grounds. Such behaviour provided a display for the divers.
• The map warned of dangerous **shoals** near the coastline; all sailors should take caution. Navigation was tricky there. The boat, once past the **shoals**, was able to sail to the next destination. Experienced captains knew the dangers, and less experienced captains had been warned.
• Observing the fish, we watched the massive shoal as it changed direction. The fish, in the shoal, showed a perfect synchronization, reacting instantly to perceived threats or changes in their environment, presenting a beautiful sight for the divers under water.