As a Noun: 1. A place where land or some other solid surface is found right next to a body of water. 2. The land along the edge of a sea, lake, or wide river, where water and land come together. English = shore. 3. The raised ground along the edge of a river or lake. English = bank. As a Verb or Adjective: 1. Of water, to move backwards and forwards and up and down up against a piece of land or some other solid surface, often making a soft sound. English = lap.