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

NGOs reported that more than 140 people died in the attempt to cross into the territory, including some who drowned or were trampled in a stampede to cross a breakwater barrier. — Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Lifeguards from the department swam to the breakwater, rescued Dubray and brought her aboard a fire boat. — David Chiu, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2026

He was pulled from the lake’s cold water near the Government Pier breakwater in the main channel of Waukegan Harbor by rescue divers. — Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026

SpaceX intends to partner with state and federal agencies to expand Louisiana’s Coastal Master Plan, including Gulf shoreline protection breakwaters to slow erosion. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 25 Aug. 2026

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