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.
Something about being surrounded by water (the chain of barrier islands is sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and a handful of sounds) makes everything else feel far away. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 11 Mar. 2025 The rescue happened Sunday, Feb. 23, off Captiva, a barrier island about a 165-mile-drive south from Tampa. Mark Price, Miami Herald, 24 Feb. 2025 Georgia’s barrier islands, including St. Simons and Jekyll Island, boast diverse landscapes made up of beaches, marshes, dunes, and maritime forests. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 23 Feb. 2025 Now, the service area includes the barrier island from the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center to the Boca Raton Inlet, according to the city. Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 25 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

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Cite this Entry

“Barrier island.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barrier%20island. Accessed 25 Mar. 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

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