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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
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
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Word History
First Known Use
1805, in the meaning defined above
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 17 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
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for barrier reef
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about barrier reef
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