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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In my third novel, Ways to Find Yourself, the setting—a fictional barrier island off the East Coast—comes to serve as more than a pretty backdrop. Literary Hub, 7 May 2026 Along Miami’s northern barrier islands, a few oceanfront buildings have quietly become go-to addresses for the ultra-wealthy. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 6 May 2026 But research published by another UM professor, Farzaneh Aziz Zanjani, in the journal Earth and Space Science in 2024, found that buildings in Sunny Isles Beach, Surfside and other barrier island towns had been sinking at a faster rate than expected. Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 6 May 2026 The barrier island is about four miles long and, for the most part, one house wide. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 1 May 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 15 May. 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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