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.
Five barrier islands make up the Brunswick Islands, which stretch 45 miles across the southern tip of North Carolina. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2025 Lido is a long, narrow barrier island stretching seven miles between the lagoon and the Adriatic. Erica Firpo, AFAR Media, 8 Sep. 2025 That is thanks to the barrier island's relatively low home prices (the average is $641,751), very low crime rate, low unemployment rate, and average commute coming in at just over 21 minutes. Opheli Garcia Lawler, Travel + Leisure, 26 Aug. 2025 The National Hurricane Center has warned that roads in the low-lying barrier islands will become impassable, with powerful waves of 15 to 20 feet crashing ashore. Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 22 Aug. 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 16 Sep. 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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