barrier

noun

bar·​ri·​er ˈber-ē-ər How to pronounce barrier (audio)
ˈba-rē-
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 These help in their own right to brighten and repair skin, while squalane and meadowfoam seed oil help support the skin barrier, making for a product that’s more than the sum of its parts. Deanna Pai, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2024 Plus, consumers can get online orders delivered faster without the barriers associated with the customs process. Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 16 Aug. 2024 Separately, entry into new international markets is also proving tricky due to mounting trade barriers. Trefis Team, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2024 Listing those resources, Jones said, removes barriers preventing people from taking advantage of the community rides. La Risa R. Lynch, Journal Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for barrier 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'barrier.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English barrere, from Anglo-French, from barre bar

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of barrier was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near barrier

Cite this Entry

“Barrier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barrier. Accessed 3 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

barrier

noun
bar·​ri·​er ˈbar-ē-ər How to pronounce barrier (audio)
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 How to pronounce barrier (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on barrier

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