1
a
: something material that blocks or is intended to block passage
highway barriers
a barrier contraceptive
b
: a natural formation or structure that prevents or hinders movement or action
geographic barriers to species dissemination
barrier beaches
drugs that cross the placental barrier
2
barriers or Barriers plural
: a medieval war game in which combatants fight on foot with a fence or railing between them
3
: something immaterial that impedes or separates : obstacle
behavioral barriers
trade barriers
Examples of barrier in a Sentence
Concrete barriers surround the race track to protect spectators.
The tree's roots serve as a barrier against soil erosion.
The mountain range forms a natural barrier between the two countries.
Both leaders are in favor of removing trade barriers.
Cultural barriers have made it hard for women to enter many professions.
He argues that regulations should not be viewed as barriers to progress.
Recent Examples on the Web
The barrier to entry for awe has collapsed.
—
Bob Bonniol, Rolling Stone, 29 Oct. 2025
Whether through an honest conversation or an unexpected emotional release, this transit helps dissolve walls and toxic barriers, revealing what’s actually hiding beneath the mystery.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
Nvidia has become the first $5 trillion company, just three months after the Silicon Valley chipmaker was first to break through the $4 trillion barrier.
—Boston Herald Wire Services, Boston Herald, 29 Oct. 2025
When cultural barriers come down and different voices harmonize together, there’s an explosion of creative energy.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for barrier
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Bob Bonniol, Rolling Stone, 29 Oct. 2025
Whether through an honest conversation or an unexpected emotional release, this transit helps dissolve walls and toxic barriers, revealing what’s actually hiding beneath the mystery.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
Nvidia has become the first $5 trillion company, just three months after the Silicon Valley chipmaker was first to break through the $4 trillion barrier.
—Boston Herald Wire Services, Boston Herald, 29 Oct. 2025
When cultural barriers come down and different voices harmonize together, there’s an explosion of creative energy.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for barrier
Cite this Entry
“Barrier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barrier. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
barrier
noun
bar·ri·er
ˈbar-ē-ər 
1
: something (as a fence, railing, or natural obstacle) that blocks the way
2
: something not material that keeps apart or makes progress difficult
language barriers
Medical Definition
barrier
noun
bar·ri·er
ˈbar-ē-ər
1
a
: a material object or set of objects that separates, demarcates, or serves as a barricade see blood-brain barrier, placental barrier
b
: a contraceptive device (such as a condom or cervical cap) that prevents sperm from entering the uterus
—often used before another noun
barrier contraception
2
: a factor that tends to restrict the free movement, mingling, or interbreeding of individuals or populations
behavioral and geographic barriers to hybridization
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