breakwater

noun

break·​wa·​ter ˈbrāk-ˌwȯ-tər How to pronounce breakwater (audio)
-ˌwä-
: an offshore structure (such as a wall) protecting a harbor or beach from the force of waves

Examples of breakwater 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 Bayfront And Barge By the water, a giant ornamental stone barge juts into Biscayne Bay, designed to resemble a Venetian boat and double as a breakwater. Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2025 The breakwaters are expected to slow shoreline erosion and eventually lead to sediment deposition on the beach. Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 5 Aug. 2025 Beach Park Fire Chief Tom Stahl and Winthrop Harbor Fire Chief Rocco Campanella sit, looking out at Lake Michigan, where a half-dozen boats trawl along the beachfront around the boulders of the breakwaters. Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 30 July 2025 Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee monitored the beach for close to two decades and found that bacteria, impervious surfaces that increased runoff, and lack of water flow due to the breakwater were largely to blame for the constant closures. Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 23 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for breakwater

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1769, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of breakwater was circa 1769

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Cite this Entry

“Breakwater.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breakwater. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

breakwater

noun
break·​wa·​ter ˈbrāk-ˌwȯt-ər How to pronounce breakwater (audio)
-ˌwät-
: an offshore structure (as a wall) to protect a harbor or beach from the force of waves

More from Merriam-Webster on breakwater

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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