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
North America has delivered the sequel’s most historic overseas performance, with the film surpassing the $25 million barrier to claim both the first-to-milestone and all-time market records.
—
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 Apr. 2026
As a result, some individuals may forgo barrier methods altogether, increasing their risk of acquiring other infections.
—Care Resource, Miami Herald, 6 Apr. 2026
The researchers note that groups at higher risk of diabetes — including younger adults, people with lower incomes, and many racial and ethnic minority populations — may also face more barriers to routine preventive services.
—Rob Williams, EverydayHealth.com, 6 Apr. 2026
As Kahn notes, by lowering the barriers to writing code, AI could unleash a new wave of companies building specialized business applications, no longer dependent on scarce, expensive coding talent.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 6 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for barrier
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Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 Apr. 2026
As a result, some individuals may forgo barrier methods altogether, increasing their risk of acquiring other infections.
—Care Resource, Miami Herald, 6 Apr. 2026
The researchers note that groups at higher risk of diabetes — including younger adults, people with lower incomes, and many racial and ethnic minority populations — may also face more barriers to routine preventive services.
—Rob Williams, EverydayHealth.com, 6 Apr. 2026
As Kahn notes, by lowering the barriers to writing code, AI could unleash a new wave of companies building specialized business applications, no longer dependent on scarce, expensive coding talent.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 6 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for barrier
Cite this Entry
“Barrier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barrier. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
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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