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

Dauphin Island, a 15-mile-long barrier island off the Alabama coast, encouraged some people to voluntarily evacuate. — R.j. Rico, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026

On Dauphin Island, a 15-mile barrier island off the Alabama coast, officials encouraged voluntary evacuations, particularly on its popular western section, which is vulnerable to storm surge. — R.j. Rico, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026

As of early Thursday morning, The Weather Channel put our guy in Pensacola Beach, located on a Florida barrier island in Escambia County, a safe distance of more than 600 miles from Miami. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026

That is well before a nor’easter began pounding the state’s barrier islands with 16-foot waves and 50 mph gusts. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 29 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1773, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for barrier island

• dryland

Kids Definition

barrier island

noun

: a long broad sandy island parallel to a shore that is built up by the action of waves, currents, and winds