breakwater

noun

break·​wa·​ter ˈbrāk-ˌwȯ-tər 

-ˌwä-

: 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

Manmade structures like the pier and breakwater at Michigan City and the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor in Portage disrupt the natural flow of sand along the southern shore of Lake Michigan. —Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2026

In the final draft presented to city officials, the consultant recommended that the city proceed with advancing a pilot offshore multi-benefit emergent breakwater, paired with beach nourishment, at North Beach. —Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 25 Nov. 2025

This side of the breakwater was lined with tide pools formed from ECOncrete, a composite cement that mimics natural rock formations. —Ben McGrath, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025

While some paid to have headstones moved, many stayed in San Francisco and were later used in building projects including gutters and a breakwater. —Chris Kenning, USA Today, 25 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for breakwater

• backwater
• bathwater
• blackwater
• deepwater
• edgewater
• feedwater
• floodwater
• freshwater
• granddaughter
• groundwater
• headwater
• manslaughter

Kids Definition

breakwater

noun

break·​wa·​ter ˈbrāk-ˌwȯt-ər 

-ˌwät-

: an offshore structure (as a wall) to protect a harbor or beach from the force of waves