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
Miami Beach is a barrier island, and healthy coral reefs act as natural defenses by breaking up waves, helping to reduce shoreline erosion.
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Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2025
One year ago, the Gullah Geechee community was struck by tragedy when seven people were killed in a gangway collapse on a Georgia barrier island.
—Dennis Romero, NBC news, 14 Oct. 2025
Where To Stay Book a Local Hotel Staying along a strip of barrier islands definitely calls for a unique stay, and even the hotels are on board with the idea.
—Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2025
Tides are expected to rise 1 to 3 feet above normal levels from North Carolina to Cape Cod, according to AccuWeather, with coastal flooding likely on barrier islands, in ports and in low-lying business districts—as elevated seas continue for several days.
—Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
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Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2025
One year ago, the Gullah Geechee community was struck by tragedy when seven people were killed in a gangway collapse on a Georgia barrier island.
—Dennis Romero, NBC news, 14 Oct. 2025
Where To Stay Book a Local Hotel Staying along a strip of barrier islands definitely calls for a unique stay, and even the hotels are on board with the idea.
—Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2025
Tides are expected to rise 1 to 3 feet above normal levels from North Carolina to Cape Cod, according to AccuWeather, with coastal flooding likely on barrier islands, in ports and in low-lying business districts—as elevated seas continue for several days.
—Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for barrier island
Cite this Entry
“Barrier island.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barrier%20island. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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