Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
Sea of Azov

Sea of Azov

1 5.1
A shallow inland sea between Russia and Ukraine connected to the Black Sea
  • proper noun
: Mar de Azov
  • The Sea of Azov is bordered by both Russia and Ukraine, making it a significant area for regional trade.

Examples

  • Pass north through the Kerch Strait into the tiny Sea of Azov, widely unknown.

    Fiction book (1994)

  • The fishing industry thrives in the Sea of Azov, where many local fishermen find ample opportunities.

  • Tourists can enjoy serene boating experiences on the Sea of Azov, especially during the summer months.

Synonyms

Sea of Azoff
vsSea of Azov
  • Archaic
7.4

A shallow sea between Russia and Ukraine, separated from the Black Sea by the Kerch Strait

is the same sea but presented with a different spelling form

Surface Forms

Sea of Azov main

Morphology

sea + of + Azov

The structure 'sea of X' is compositionally transparent: a learner who knows 'sea' and the preposition 'of' will infer this refers to a body of water named or associated with 'Azov'. Although the proper name 'Azov' must be identified to know the precise location, the overall meaning (a sea called Azov) is directly derivable from the constituents and is cross-linguistically common.

Etymology

Sea of Azov may come from an old Turkic word Azov meaning 'shallow'. The sea sits between Russia and Ukraine and is very shallow, so the name helps people remember it is not deep.