breakwater

noun

break·​wa·​ter ˈbrāk-ˌwȯ-tər 

-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

SpaceX intends to partner with state and federal agencies to expand Louisiana’s Coastal Master Plan, including Gulf shoreline protection breakwaters to slow erosion. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 25 Aug. 2026

Fueled by misinformation, poverty and lack of opportunities, more than 70,000 would-be migrants from Morocco and beyond swam or climbed over a breakwater last month to try to reach Ceuta, a Spanish exclave on the North African coast. — ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026

The picturesque harbor, lighthouse, and breakwater invite leisurely strolls; Artist’s Point offers a rocky shoreline perfect for watching waves crash against ancient basalt. — Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 7 Aug. 2026

The death toll rose to 67, including migrants who drowned and others killed in a stampede trying to cross a breakwater barrier, the Spanish government said Saturday. — Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 2 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for breakwater

• backwater
• bathwater
• blackwater
• deepwater
• edgewater
• feedwater
• floodwater
• freshwater
• granddaughter
• groundwater
• headwater
• manslaughter

Kids Definition

breakwater

noun

break·​wa·​ter ˈbrāk-ˌwȯt-ər 

-ˌwät-

: an offshore structure (as a wall) to protect a harbor or beach from the force of waves