breakwater

noun

break·​wa·​ter ˈbrāk-ˌwȯ-tər How to pronounce breakwater (audio)
-ˌwä-
Synonyms of breakwaternext
: an offshore structure (such as a wall) protecting a harbor or beach from the force of waves

Examples of breakwater 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.
Investigators say initial reports said that a bass boat had hit a breakwater, which is a long wall usually built by the shore to reduce erosion. Dan Raby, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026 The hot spring pools blend into the natural rocky breakwater barriers and offer the opportunity for a warm soak after swimming in the sea. Lauren Breedlove, Outside, 3 Mar. 2026 Manmade structures like the pier and breakwater at Michigan City and the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor in Portage disrupt the natural flow of sand along the southern shore of Lake Michigan. Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2026 The breakwater structure would use a concrete material that is better than rock for attracting marine life and would sit about 900 feet from shore. Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 25 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for breakwater

Word History

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of breakwater was in 1827

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Cite this Entry

“Breakwater.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breakwater. Accessed 3 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

breakwater

noun
break·​wa·​ter ˈbrāk-ˌwȯt-ər How to pronounce breakwater (audio)
-ˌwät-
: an offshore structure (as a wall) to protect a harbor or beach from the force of waves

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