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.
The American Southeast The barrier islands and coastal cities of South Carolina and Georgia cool to the perfect temperature in October and November. Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 The wide swath of powdery white sand on Sarasota's Siesta Key barrier island is great for sandcastle building and Frisbee tossing—and the sand doesn’t get hot even when the temperature does. Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 30 June 2026 Sea Island, the most exclusive of Georgia's barrier islands, delivers the kind of resort experience that's genuinely hard to replicate anywhere else on the East Coast. Terry Ward, Travel + Leisure, 26 June 2026 Jekyll Island This Georgia barrier island on the Atlantic Coast—between Jacksonville and Savannah—offers more than 20 miles of bike trails and walking routes that meander through marshes and hover atop wooden boardwalks. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 25 June 2026 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 4 Jul. 2026.

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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