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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Bordered by the Pamlico Sound to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the 16-mile-long barrier island of Ocracoke stands out among North Carolina’s Outer Banks region. Caroline Eubanks, Travel + Leisure, 22 May 2026 From remote barrier islands to hidden coastlines, here are the best spots Florida shellers quietly cherish. Gabi De La Rosa, Southern Living, 17 May 2026 For all of these creatures, the coast’s patchwork of barrier islands, beaches, sandbars, salt marshes, tidal creeks and estuaries are vitally important for survival. Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 16 May 2026 Located east of the 17th Street Causeway on Fort Lauderdale’s barrier island, the church has 980 feet of seawall. Carlton Gillespie, Miami Herald, 16 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 24 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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