barrier

noun

1
a
: something material that blocks or is intended to block passage
highway barriers
a barrier contraceptive
b
: a natural formation or structure that prevents or hinders movement or action
geographic barriers to species dissemination
barrier beaches
drugs that cross the placental barrier
2
barriers or Barriers plural : a medieval war game in which combatants fight on foot with a fence or railing between them
3
: something immaterial that impedes or separates : obstacle
behavioral barriers
trade barriers

Examples of barrier in a Sentence

Concrete barriers surround the race track to protect spectators. The tree's roots serve as a barrier against soil erosion. The mountain range forms a natural barrier between the two countries. Both leaders are in favor of removing trade barriers.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When asked about the top barrier to deploying AI tools, 36% ranked regulatory compliance first, 30% said difficulty managing risks, and 29% said lack of a governance model. Bret Baier, Fox News, 30 Nov. 2024 Embrace Financial Planning Financial insecurity can be a major barrier for those over 50 considering entrepreneurship. Melissa Houston, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024 One of the barriers is, of course, the stigmas associated with low-income housing projects. Baltimore Sun Editorial Board, Baltimore Sun, 29 Nov. 2024 Contract Approved for Port Monmouth Barrier In another development this week, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced a nearly $62 million contract to advance the Port Monmouth storm reduction barrier in Middletown. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for barrier 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English barrere, from Anglo-French, from barre bar

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of barrier was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near barrier

Cite this Entry

“Barrier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barrier. Accessed 12 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

barrier

noun
1
: something (as a fence, railing, or natural obstacle) that blocks the way
2
: something not material that keeps apart or makes progress difficult
language barriers

Medical Definition

barrier

noun
1
a
: a material object or set of objects that separates, demarcates, or serves as a barricade see blood-brain barrier, placental barrier
b
: a contraceptive device (such as a condom or cervical cap) that prevents sperm from entering the uterus
often used before another noun
barrier contraception
2
: a factor that tends to restrict the free movement, mingling, or interbreeding of individuals or populations
behavioral and geographic barriers to hybridization

More from Merriam-Webster on barrier

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