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
The neighborhood / area Key Biscayne is a barrier island across from downtown Miami.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Jan. 2026
Hurricane Milton also opened Milton Pass, slicing Stump Pass Beach State Park in half and destabilizing nearby barrier islands, which could lead to worsening beach erosion.
—Jack Prator, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2026
The surrounding area in Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island, one of the barrier islands on Florida’s southwest coast, is an idyllic vacation destination, particularly great for families.
—Jess Feldman, Travel + Leisure, 4 Jan. 2026
Louisiana’s only inhabited barrier island, Grand Isle, is a secret paradise with some of the best fishing in the world.
—Kristy Christiansen, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for barrier island
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Jan. 2026
Hurricane Milton also opened Milton Pass, slicing Stump Pass Beach State Park in half and destabilizing nearby barrier islands, which could lead to worsening beach erosion.
—Jack Prator, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2026
The surrounding area in Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island, one of the barrier islands on Florida’s southwest coast, is an idyllic vacation destination, particularly great for families.
—Jess Feldman, Travel + Leisure, 4 Jan. 2026
Louisiana’s only inhabited barrier island, Grand Isle, is a secret paradise with some of the best fishing in the world.
—Kristy Christiansen, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for barrier island
Cite this Entry
“Barrier island.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barrier%20island. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share