| a series of five lakes between the U.S. and Canada, comprising Lakes Erie, Huron, Michigan, Ontario, and Superior; connected with the Atlantic by the St. Lawrence River. |
| Great Lakes A group of five freshwater lakes of central North America between the United States and Canada, including Lakes Superior, Huron, Erie, Ontario, and Michigan. French traders first sighted the lakes in the early 17th century. Today the Great Lakes connect Midwestern ports with the Atlantic Ocean via the St. Lawrence Seaway. |
Group of five large freshwater bodies in central North America. They include, west to east, Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario. Except for Lake Michigan, which is entirely within the United States, the Great Lakes serve as borders between the United States and Canada.
Note: Major shipping route through the St. Lawrence River to the Atlantic Ocean.