- the flowing back of the tide as the water returns to the sea (opposed to flood, flow).
- a flowing backward or away; decline or decay: the ebb of a once great nation.
- a point of decline: His fortunes were at a low ebb.
- to flow back or away, as the water of a tide (opposed to flow).
- to decline or decay; fade away: His life is gradually ebbing.
- (of tide water) to flow back or recede
- to fall away or decline
- the flowing back of the tide from high to low water or the period in which this takes place
- (as modifier)
- in a state or period of weakness, lack of vigour, or decline
