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barrier island

noun
|Updated on: 13 Aug 2018

Definition of barrier island

: 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

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Recent Examples of barrier island from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'barrier island.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of barrier island

1773

in the meaning defined above

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BARRIER ISLAND Defined for English Language Learners

barrier island

noun

Definition of barrier island for English Language Learners

  • : a long, sandy island that is near a shore

BARRIER ISLAND Defined for Kids

barrier island

noun

Definition of barrier island for Students

: a long broad sandy island parallel to a shore that is built up by the action of waves, currents, and winds

Learn More about barrier island

  1. Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about barrier island

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