barrier island

noun

: a long broad sandy island lying parallel to a shore that is built up by the action of waves, currents, and winds and that protects the shore from the effects of the ocean

Examples of barrier island 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.
Soon, would-be visitors will have more flexibility in planning their trips to the remote Georgia barrier island. — Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 1 Sep. 2026 The festival takes place elsewhere, on a nearly 7-mile (11-kilometer) barrier island called the Lido, which is about a 20-minute ferry, or vaporetto, ride away. — ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026 Located within Mississippi’s Gulf Islands National Seashore, Ship Island is a barrier island reached by seasonal ferry from Gulfport. — Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 31 Aug. 2026 Hollywood already has several tall buildings on the barrier island, but are south of Hollywood Boulevard. — Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for barrier island

Word History

First Known Use

1773, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of barrier island was in 1773

Rhymes for barrier island

See All Rhymes for barrier island

Browse Nearby Words

barrier ice
barrier island
barrier layer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Barrier island.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barrier%20island. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

barrier island

noun
: a long broad sandy island parallel to a shore that is built up by the action of waves, currents, and winds

More from Merriam-Webster on barrier island

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about barrier island

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