seawall

noun

sea·​wall ˈsē-ˌwȯl How to pronounce seawall (audio)
Synonyms of seawallnext
: a wall or embankment to protect the shore from erosion or to act as a breakwater

Examples of seawall in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Aside from insurance, to reduce climate vulnerability, governments can also build out physical defenses like seawalls and flood barriers, while deepening partnerships with multilateral organizations like the Asian Development Bank and World Bank. Angelica Ang, Fortune, 30 Jan. 2026 The school still needs about $2 million to get it across the finish line — including the heavy lifting of bursting the seawall to create the inland lagoon that will host the mangroves. Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2026 The city has ignored nearly every issue identified in the 1970s Precise Plan — crumbling seawalls, failing infrastructure, visual blight along Mission Boulevard. U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026 The seasonal shift highlights how deeply the invasive species is established in Florida Each winter in South Florida, residents may spot a surprising sight in trees, along canals or basking on seawalls: green iguanas glowing in various shades of orange. Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 24 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for seawall

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of seawall was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Seawall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seawall. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

seawall

noun
sea·​wall ˈsē-ˌwȯl How to pronounce seawall (audio)
: a wall or bank to prevent sea waves from wearing away the shore

More from Merriam-Webster on seawall

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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