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
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Even with the water rising and mandatory evacuations issued for parts of the Outer Banks due to Hurricane Erin's approach, wildlife experts aren't all too concerned about the wild horses that roam the barrier islands.
—
Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2025
There are concerns that several days of heavy surf, high winds and waves could wash out parts of the main highway running along the barrier islands, the National Weather Service said.
—Safiyah Riddle, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2025
More than a century later, the posh barrier island along Florida’s east coast is still drawing elite travelers, particularly those who want to do business at Mar-a-Lago.
—Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
The loggerheads are the only sea turtle species to regularly nest on Georgia’s barrier islands, including the Golden Isles.
—Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 26 July 2025
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Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2025
There are concerns that several days of heavy surf, high winds and waves could wash out parts of the main highway running along the barrier islands, the National Weather Service said.
—Safiyah Riddle, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2025
More than a century later, the posh barrier island along Florida’s east coast is still drawing elite travelers, particularly those who want to do business at Mar-a-Lago.
—Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
The loggerheads are the only sea turtle species to regularly nest on Georgia’s barrier islands, including the Golden Isles.
—Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 26 July 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 31 Aug. 2025.
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