What does "open water" mean?

An expanse of an ocean, sea, or large lake which is distant from shore and devoid of nearby islands or other obstructions.

What is a synonym for "open water"?

Common synonyms include: deep waters, exposed water, natural water, ocean, offing, open sea.

noun

noun ·Rare ·Advanced level

Noun

1
An expanse of an ocean, sea, or large lake which is distant from shore and devoid of nearby islands or other obstructions. uncountable, usually
"Gaining the more open water, the bracing breeze waxed fresh; the little Moss tossed the quick foam from her bows, as a young colt his snortings."
2
In a river, pond, or other small body of water, an area of surface unobstructed by aquatic vegetation, boulders, and the like, adequate for navigation or swimming. uncountable, usually
"Willet sent the canoe through the open water between the tall reeds."
3
An area of an ocean, sea, lake, or river which is not covered by ice. Canada, uncountable, usually
"At the end of June, James Bay was generally open water except for loose ice persisting over its northwestern section."

"Gaining the more open water, the bracing breeze waxed fresh; the little Moss tossed the quick foam from her bows, as a young colt his snortings."