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Glite Dictionary
Third Coast

Third Coast

6.5
A nickname for the Great Lakes region around Lake Michigan, seen as a coast like the East or West coast
  • proper noun
  • /θɜrd koʊst/
  • US
translation icon : Tercera Costa
  • She moved to the Third Coast to experience the mix of city life and lakefront beauty.

Examples

  • Many artists and musicians are drawn to the Third Coast because of its vibrant creative scene.

  • Food festivals on the Third Coast attract visitors from all over the country.

  • The Third Coast is beautiful.

  • Many artists are inspired by the beauty of the Third Coast.

  • Food festivals on the Third Coast attract visitors from all over the country.

  • Many artists and musicians are drawn to the Third Coast because of its vibrant creative scene.

  • She moved to the Third Coast to experience the mix of city life and lakefront beauty.

Synonyms

Fresh Coast
vsThird Coast
  • US
7.4

A region by the Great Lakes with clean water and sandy beaches

highlights the region's status alongside other major coasts rather than scenery

Surface Forms

Third Coast main

Morphology

third + coast

The combination of 'third' + 'coast' clearly signals 'another/alternative coastline', so a learner who knows both words can infer it refers to an additional coast beyond the East and West Coasts. However, the specific identification of the Great Lakes region (a regional nickname) relies on cultural/geographical knowledge and is not directly predictable from the constituents, making it only partly transparent.

Etymology

Third Coast comes from people seeing the Great Lakes' long lake shores as a real coast, like the 'East' and 'West' coasts of the country. So calling the region the Third Coast gives the idea of a full coastal area with beaches, ports, and its own strong culture.