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
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Located on an eight-mile barrier island off the coast of Sarasota, Siesta Beach boasts clear waters, powder sand, seashells, and a wealth of beachfront accommodations. Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 29 Apr. 2025 Location Located on Sarasota’s longest barrier island, St. Regis Longboat Key Resort comprises 18 acres of prime beachfront real estate. Annie Archer, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2025 High School Older kids will enjoy time exploring the barrier islands of the Crystal Coast including Cape Lookout National Seashore and the Shackleford Banks. Roger Sands, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025 In the late 1890s, Wilmington, North Carolina, a port city between the Atlantic’s barrier islands and the banks of the Cape Fear River, became an island of hope for a new America. Essence, 8 Feb. 2025 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 3 May. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on barrier island

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