barrier reef

noun

: a coral reef roughly parallel to a shore and separated from it usually by a lagoon

Examples of barrier reef 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.
Peeking above aquamarine waves that hide the world's second-largest barrier reef, Belize's Ambergris Caye first emerged as a destination for the daring. Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 2 Feb. 2025 Additionally, the 119-room Kimpton Grand Roatán Resort & Spa opened in 2023 on Roatán Island in Honduras, an idyllic tropical retreat situated along one of the world’s largest barrier reefs. Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 22 Jan. 2025 Over time, the volcanic mountain began eroding and sinking, but the barrier reef and lagoon kept growing. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Jan. 2025 Eastern Belize is famed for its second-largest barrier reef system, offering some of the world’s most spectacular diving and snorkeling experiences. Kaila Yu, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for barrier reef 

Word History

First Known Use

1805, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of barrier reef was in 1805

Dictionary Entries Near barrier reef

Cite this Entry

“Barrier reef.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barrier%20reef. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

barrier reef

noun
: a coral reef roughly parallel to a shore and separated from it by a lagoon

More from Merriam-Webster on barrier reef

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!