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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Which is why Sunset Beach, North Carolina’s southernmost barrier island, is such a gem. Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2025 That is thanks to the barrier island's relatively low home prices (the average is $641,751), very low crime rate, low unemployment rate, and average commute coming in at just over 21 minutes. Opheli Garcia Lawler, Travel + Leisure, 26 Aug. 2025 The National Hurricane Center has warned that roads in the low-lying barrier islands will become impassable, with powerful waves of 15 to 20 feet crashing ashore. Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025 Swells from the storm have overwashed waterfront properties and roads on the barrier islands. David Schutz, Sun Sentinel, 21 Aug. 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 10 Sep. 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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