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
After all, any potential barriers to global trade would be a meaningful hindrance to ocean carriers.
—
Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 4 Feb. 2025
Being led by someone like her, who is passionate about breaking the barriers of Black women, Black people in wine is so important.
—Bon Appétit, 3 Feb. 2025
Some Democratic state lawmakers have introduced bills to increase barriers for ICE entry to school campuses and to require schools to alert students, parents and faculty if immigration officers target a school.
—Nicole Nixon, Sacramento Bee, 3 Feb. 2025
Minority businesses have become best in class and are helping drive innovation and bring diversity of thought which are assets to the U.S. economy, but until discriminatory barriers are completely removed, the government and private sector must continue to work to be fair, Harris and Young said.
—Francine Knowles, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for barrier 
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Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 4 Feb. 2025
Being led by someone like her, who is passionate about breaking the barriers of Black women, Black people in wine is so important.
—Bon Appétit, 3 Feb. 2025
Some Democratic state lawmakers have introduced bills to increase barriers for ICE entry to school campuses and to require schools to alert students, parents and faculty if immigration officers target a school.
—Nicole Nixon, Sacramento Bee, 3 Feb. 2025
Minority businesses have become best in class and are helping drive innovation and bring diversity of thought which are assets to the U.S. economy, but until discriminatory barriers are completely removed, the government and private sector must continue to work to be fair, Harris and Young said.
—Francine Knowles, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for barrier
Dictionary Entries Near barrier
Cite this Entry
“Barrier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barrier. Accessed 9 Feb. 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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