1
a
: something material that blocks or is intended to block passage
highway barriers
a barrier contraceptive
b
: a natural formation or structure that prevents or hinders movement or action
geographic barriers to species dissemination
barrier beaches
drugs that cross the placental barrier
2
barriers or Barriers plural
: a medieval war game in which combatants fight on foot with a fence or railing between them
3
: something immaterial that impedes or separates : obstacle
behavioral barriers
trade barriers
Examples of barrier in a Sentence
Concrete barriers surround the race track to protect spectators.
The tree's roots serve as a barrier against soil erosion.
The mountain range forms a natural barrier between the two countries.
Both leaders are in favor of removing trade barriers.
Cultural barriers have made it hard for women to enter many professions.
He argues that regulations should not be viewed as barriers to progress.
Recent Examples on the Web
On the northern edge of Wisconsin’s Bayfield Peninsula, an archipelago of rugged, forested islands forms a barrier between the mainland and the vast, clear waters of Lake Superior.
—
Katherine Lawless, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2025
There definitely seems to be some barrier in communication where the people that impacts it the most are not hearing the things that the FAA is moving forward on and that needs to be addressed.
—Ayesha Ali, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2025
The last crypto cycle saw a variety of experimentation with the concept, but these attempts ran into product-market fit and regulatory barriers, and thus have not ascended into the mainstream consciousness.
—Aaron Stanley, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Jupiter’s Restoring Serum is a lightweight, leave-in treatment designed to soothe irritation, reduce dandruff, and balance oil—all while promoting a healthier scalp barrier.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for barrier
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Katherine Lawless, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2025
There definitely seems to be some barrier in communication where the people that impacts it the most are not hearing the things that the FAA is moving forward on and that needs to be addressed.
—Ayesha Ali, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2025
The last crypto cycle saw a variety of experimentation with the concept, but these attempts ran into product-market fit and regulatory barriers, and thus have not ascended into the mainstream consciousness.
—Aaron Stanley, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Jupiter’s Restoring Serum is a lightweight, leave-in treatment designed to soothe irritation, reduce dandruff, and balance oil—all while promoting a healthier scalp barrier.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for barrier
Cite this Entry
“Barrier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barrier. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
barrier
noun
bar·ri·er
ˈbar-ē-ər 
1
: something (as a fence, railing, or natural obstacle) that blocks the way
2
: something not material that keeps apart or makes progress difficult
language barriers
Medical Definition
barrier
noun
bar·ri·er
ˈbar-ē-ər
1
a
: a material object or set of objects that separates, demarcates, or serves as a barricade see blood-brain barrier, placental barrier
b
: a contraceptive device (such as a condom or cervical cap) that prevents sperm from entering the uterus
—often used before another noun
barrier contraception
2
: a factor that tends to restrict the free movement, mingling, or interbreeding of individuals or populations
behavioral and geographic barriers to hybridization
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