breakwater
noun
break·wa·ter
| \ ˈbrāk-ˌwȯ-tər
, -ˌwä-\
, -ˌwä-\
Definition of breakwater
: 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
The storm smashed vessels against piers, breakwaters and beaches in a tragic end to Southern California’s worst heat wave. — Los Angeles Times, "Could a hurricane lash Los Angeles? 80 years ago, this deadly storm came close," 22 Aug. 2019 The third person was able to make his way through the breakwater and get to the boat. — Danny Hermosillo, Houston Chronicle, "Houston-area volunteer firefighters on fishing trip rescue capsized boaters," 13 Aug. 2019 The island’s restaurant, The Surf, and its neighbor, the Beach Bar, claim the back half of the wraparound porch overlooking the breakwater and Crescent Beach. — Vogue, "What’s Old Is New Again on Block Island," 14 Aug. 2019 Signature projects already underway range from creating floodable parks to using oyster beds as a kind of natural breakwater. — Anthony Flint, BostonGlobe.com, "Tired of waiting for national push, a buzzing hive of climate resilience innovators is at work in Boston," 8 Aug. 2019 Its hemmed in by a large marina complex on one side and the port's breakwater on other. — Chris Woodyard, USA TODAY, "There's 'poop in the water' at America's dirtiest beaches. Is yours on the list?," 23 July 2019 The Shores’ Big Bang happened in 1926, when Frederick William Kellogg launched a $900,000 plan to dig a harbor, build two breakwaters and create an exclusive hangout for the sailing set. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "La Jolla Shores: Tennis, caves and brunch, anyone?," 28 June 2019 The air on the long breakwater has the rich, organic smell of hundreds of damp animals. — Sallie Tisdale, Harper's magazine, "Catechism of the Waters," 10 June 2019 Some miles out to sea, beyond an old breakwater, the misty spouts of whales make rare and treasured appearances. — James R. Carroll, USA TODAY, "Cape Ann, Massachusetts: A charming alternative to Cape Cod with sandy beaches and fried clams," 3 June 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'breakwater.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for breakwater
breakwater
noun
English Language Learners Definition of breakwater
: a wall that is built out into the sea to protect a harbor or beach from the force of waves
See the full definition for breakwater in the English Language Learners Dictionary
breakwater
noun
break·wa·ter
| \ ˈbrāk-ˌwȯ-tər
, -ˌwä-\
, -ˌwä-\
Kids Definition of breakwater
: an offshore wall to protect a beach or a harbor from the sea