tombolo

noun tom·bo·lo \ ˈtōm-bə-ˌlō , ˈtäm- \

Definition of tombolo

plural tombolos

: a sand or gravel bar connecting an island with the mainland or another island

Recent Examples of tombolo from the Web

Recent storms have made the tombolo weaker, so currents are increasing within the lagoon, but the beach still remains a safe bet for families.

— timbers kauai, The Seattle Times, "Discover Kauai’s hidden gems," 18 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tombolo.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of tombolo

Italian, from Latin tumulus mound, tumulus

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1899

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Learn More about tombolo

See words that rhyme with tombolo Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tombolo

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up tombolo? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

WORD OF THE DAY

quail

play

to recoil in dread or terror

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Tombigbee

tombola

tombolo

Tombouctou

tomboy

Test Your Vocabulary

Name More Food!

Name that Fruit!

Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ

Dictionary Devil

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games