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

And about the rip currents Currents are dangerous and a very real problem on the Gulf Coast, including around the barrier islands where Wells was partying. — Adam Carlson, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026

Over the July 4 weekend, the Wells story became national news after the college football player didn’t come home from a trip with friends to Horn Island, a barrier island off the coast of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, where Wells grew up. — Lorena O’Neil, Rolling Stone, 13 July 2026

But the barrier islands off the Mississippi coast have a history of powerful currents and drowning deaths, the coroner said. — Holly Yan, CNN Money, 11 July 2026

And for folks on the coast, going out on the water, including trips out to those barrier islands, is pretty normal. — Elise Gregg, NPR, 10 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1773, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for barrier island

• dryland

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