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

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

The horses are wild descendants of Colonial Spanish Mustangs that have lived on North Carolina's barrier islands for approximately 500 years, and are genetically confirmed to be among the oldest and rarest horses in the world. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 16 June 2026

The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island Amelia Island, Florida An unspoiled wisp of a barrier island, Amelia Island has miles of pristine beaches with sand dunes and unfettered access to the Atlantic Ocean, plus a forest of giant oaks draped in Spanish moss just for good measure. — Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 9 June 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