breakwater
noun
-ˌwä-\
Definition of breakwater
: an offshore structure (such as a wall) protecting a harbor or beach from the force of waves
Examples of breakwater in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Tours aren't available of the small structure, but visitors can walk along the 2,500-foot breakwater to get a closer look. — Chelsey Lewis, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "8 spectacular Lake Michigan lighthouses to visit in Wisconsin," 12 July 2018 The breakwater of the wharf is fascinating with huge granite obelisks bent by storms lining the granite rocks like seaside grave stones. — Peter Marteka, courant.com, "A Visit To Stonington's Seashore And Preserve Where Expansive Views And Connecticut History Are Showcased," 6 July 2018 The trail has several viewpoints along the rocky shoreline and a breakwater. — Peter Marteka, courant.com, "A Visit To Stonington's Seashore And Preserve Where Expansive Views And Connecticut History Are Showcased," 6 July 2018 Recurring storm damage and erosion led to construction of the breakwater, which began in 1881, stimulating development and improvement along Lake Michigan. — Jim Higgins, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Milwaukee loves its rivers and Lake Michigan — and keeps abusing them, too," 3 July 2018 Smith said any project involving the breakwater is likely to require permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. — Karen Berkowitz, chicagotribune.com, "Park District of Highland Park to study breakwater options for boat launch," 18 June 2018 The breakwater is a popular place for visitors to sit and watch life around the harbor. — Peter Marteka, courant.com, "A Visit To Stonington's Seashore And Preserve Where Expansive Views And Connecticut History Are Showcased," 6 July 2018 Longer-term solutions have been proposed: building breakwaters or a new sea wall, resanding the beaches or clearing them to create a buffer zone. — Aurelien Breeden, New York Times, "‘Wrath of Coastal Erosion’ Is Devouring a Senegal Fishing Hub," 23 May 2018 Not only has erosion behind the breakwater of terraces and islands and reef ceased; the shoreline is beginning to repair itself, with oystergrass growing in the shallows. — Shannon Tompkins, Houston Chronicle, "Cow Trap Lake Project a success on multiple levels," 10 May 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'breakwater.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for breakwater
breakwater
noun
English Language Learners Definition of breakwater
: a wall that is built out into the sea to protect a harbor or beach from the force of waves
See the full definition for breakwater in the English Language Learners Dictionary
breakwater
noun
-ˌwä-\
Kids Definition of breakwater
: an offshore wall to protect a beach or a harbor from the sea
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