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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
In fact, this quiet barrier island once attracted Gilded Age nobility like the Rockefellers, Goodyears, and Vanderbilts, who loved escaping to Jekyll Island's 10 miles of shoreline in the winter.
—Skye Sherman, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2024
The 18-mile-long barrier island is known for its high-end shopping along Worth Avenue, historic landmarks (the Flagler Museum), and an impressive roster of hotels; both The Breakers and The Brazilian Court Hotel are centrally located in town.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 12 May 2024
Or, for a decidedly quieter, more romantic experience, head to Bean Point Beach, known for its sunset views.
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Gasparilla Island
Head to this slender link in the chain of Gulf barrier islands to experience Old Florida charm at its finest.
—Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 6 May 2024
Volunteer pilots from the nonprofit organization, Turtles Fly Too, flew some of the turtles from Massachusetts and New York to the Georgia barrier island.
—Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for barrier island
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'barrier island.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1773, in the meaning defined above
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 6 Jun. 2024.
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
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about barrier island
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