barrier reef

noun

: a coral reef roughly parallel to a shore and separated from it usually by a lagoon

Examples of barrier reef in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Wellness is a big focus too, as are water sports, including diving to allow visitors to go and check out what Saudi authorities say is the world's fourth-largest barrier reef nearby, in addition to the 2,000 species of fish that are unique to the area. Adam Williams, New Atlas, 22 Apr. 2025 Why Puerto Morelos is a Diver’s Dream Puerto Morelos sits along the second largest barrier reef in the world—the Mesoamerican Reef, stretching over 600 miles from Mexico to Honduras. Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025 It's blessed with empty beaches and ultra-fine sands, its turquoise waters revealing one of the world's largest barrier reefs. Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2025 Ambergris Cay Nestled in the southeast corner of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Ambergris Cay is an exclusive, all-inclusive private island resort located on the world’s second-largest barrier reef. Kaila Yu, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for barrier reef

Word History

First Known Use

1805, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of barrier reef was in 1805

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Cite this Entry

“Barrier reef.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barrier%20reef. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

barrier reef

noun
: a coral reef roughly parallel to a shore and separated from it by a lagoon

More from Merriam-Webster on barrier reef

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