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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From Friday to Sunday, the region’s collectors and enthusiasts descended on the barrier island located less than an hour east of Jacksonville to walk among some of the great vehicles ever built. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 9 Mar. 2026 Longboat Key, a barrier island just west of Sarasota, features beaches that stay surprisingly uncrowded. Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026 The damage has been far worse on the barrier islands to the south. Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 5 Mar. 2026 Cumberland Island, a barrier island off the coast of Georgia that’s just a little larger than Manhattan, fit the bill. Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2026 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 17 Mar. 2026.

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

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