breakwater

noun

break·wa·ter | \ ˈbrāk-ˌwȯ-tər

, -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

The Shores’ Big Bang happened in 1926, when Frederick William Kellogg launched a $900,000 plan to dig a harbor, build two breakwaters and create an exclusive hangout for the sailing set. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "La Jolla Shores: Tennis, caves and brunch, anyone?," 28 June 2019 The air on the long breakwater has the rich, organic smell of hundreds of damp animals. — Sallie Tisdale, Harper's magazine, "Catechism of the Waters," 10 June 2019 Some miles out to sea, beyond an old breakwater, the misty spouts of whales make rare and treasured appearances. — James R. Carroll, USA TODAY, "Cape Ann, Massachusetts: A charming alternative to Cape Cod with sandy beaches and fried clams," 3 June 2019 Today, however, so many marinas, jetties and breakwaters have been built along the Atlantic coast that the flow of incoming sand has been blocked. — Vince Beiser, WSJ, "The Battle for Our Beaches," 19 July 2018 Construction of this breakwater, shown in May, is part of a port project in Colombo, Sri Lanka under China’s Belt and Road Initiative. — Niharika Mandhana, WSJ, "U.S. Fights China for Influence, One Project at a Time," 13 Nov. 2018 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

These 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.