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
Englewood and its immediate barrier islands (like Manasota Key) offer more than a dozen miles of family-friendly beaches.
—
Kristy Tolley, Travel + Leisure, 10 June 2026
South Seas Captiva Island, Florida Both Captiva and neighboring Sanibel are easily accessible barrier islands with beaches renowned for their colorful seashells.
—Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 9 June 2026
The site is on a low-lying barrier island in a mandatory hurricane evacuation zone and faces ongoing risks from flooding, sea-level rise, king tides and storm surge.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 6 June 2026
The Outer Banks, a group of barrier islands just off the North Carolina coast, placed 14th on the publication’s Top 18 list of getaways offering fun and relaxation for the whole family.
—Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for barrier island
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.
Kristy Tolley, Travel + Leisure, 10 June 2026
South Seas Captiva Island, Florida Both Captiva and neighboring Sanibel are easily accessible barrier islands with beaches renowned for their colorful seashells.
—Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 9 June 2026
The site is on a low-lying barrier island in a mandatory hurricane evacuation zone and faces ongoing risks from flooding, sea-level rise, king tides and storm surge.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 6 June 2026
The Outer Banks, a group of barrier islands just off the North Carolina coast, placed 14th on the publication’s Top 18 list of getaways offering fun and relaxation for the whole family.
—Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for barrier island
Cite this Entry
“Barrier island.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barrier%20island. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
