barrier reef

noun

: a coral reef roughly parallel to a shore and separated from it usually by a lagoon

Examples of barrier reef 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.
Paddle the Islands The breadth of the barrier reef and the sheer volume of islands that stretch across it make Belize an open-water paddler’s dream. Graham Averill, Outside Online, 7 May 2022 The Red Sea, one of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s prime tourism destinations on the west coast of the country, is hugged by the world's fourth-largest barrier reef system and boasts an archipelago of over 90 idyllic islands. Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024 Thriving for more than five millennia, the barrier reef is a haven for captivating ecosystems, including over 165 species of reef fish found nowhere else on Earth, as well as dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays, and the majestic Napoleon wrasse. Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024 The key to a great surfing site: the reef pass On volcanic islands, barrier reefs are separated from land by lagoons. Júlia Ledur, Washington Post, 29 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for barrier reef 

Word History

First Known Use

1805, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of barrier reef was in 1805

Dictionary Entries Near barrier reef

Cite this Entry

“Barrier reef.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barrier%20reef. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

barrier reef

noun
: a coral reef roughly parallel to a shore and separated from it by a lagoon

More from Merriam-Webster on barrier reef

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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