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
Start your adventure at Lovers Key, a collection of barrier islands with 2 miles of sandy beach.
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Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2026
As a coastal peninsula, Wilmington is bordered by the Cape Fear River and separated from the ocean by barrier islands, tidal marshes, and sounds.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2026
For water sports, the shallower water on each barrier island’s east side is calmer than the Atlantic surf, so head there for mellow activities like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
—Kara Williams, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026
The ban includes all beaches managed by the National Park Service, which accounts for the bulk of the state’s barrier islands.
—Mark Price
april 23, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for barrier island
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Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2026
As a coastal peninsula, Wilmington is bordered by the Cape Fear River and separated from the ocean by barrier islands, tidal marshes, and sounds.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2026
For water sports, the shallower water on each barrier island’s east side is calmer than the Atlantic surf, so head there for mellow activities like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
—Kara Williams, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026
The ban includes all beaches managed by the National Park Service, which accounts for the bulk of the state’s barrier islands.
—Mark Price
april 23, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for barrier island
Cite this Entry
“Barrier island.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barrier%20island. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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