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.
Pensacola Beach, located on Santa Rosa Island, a barrier island in the Florida Panhandle in Escambia County, is situated on the Gulf. Molly Burford, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2026 The barrier island is only a 40-minute drive from downtown Charleston. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 7 Feb. 2026 Resident Joy Triglia, a real estate agent who lives on the barrier island, also spoke up for the trees. Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2026 The ping placed the shark near the Chandeleur Islands, a chain of barrier islands in the Gulf of America off the coast of Louisiana. Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 1 Feb. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Barrier island.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barrier%20island. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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

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