barrier island

noun

: a long broad sandy island lying parallel to a shore that is built up by the action of waves, currents, and winds and that protects the shore from the effects of the ocean

Examples of barrier island in a Sentence

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.
Top 5 Can’t Miss Gumbo Limbo Nature Center has a turtle rehabilitation center and butterfly gardens on a 20-acre barrier island. Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 11 Feb. 2025 The beloved vacation spot actually encompasses 200 miles of North Carolina barrier islands bordering the Atlantic Ocean. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 11 Jan. 2025 Having been erected on marshlands and barrier islands using early land reclamation techniques, its waterlogged ground is now compacting in a process called subsidence. Jonathan Rowe, SPIN, 18 Dec. 2024 Cape Lookout National Seashore, North Carolina One of North Carolina’s most remote beaches, this barrier island offers an uninterrupted sunrise over the Atlantic. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 2 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for barrier island 

Word History

First Known Use

1773, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of barrier island was in 1773

Dictionary Entries Near barrier island

Cite this Entry

“Barrier island.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barrier%20island. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

barrier island

noun
: a long broad sandy island parallel to a shore that is built up by the action of waves, currents, and winds

More from Merriam-Webster on barrier island

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