barrier reef

noun

: a coral reef roughly parallel to a shore and separated from it usually by a lagoon

Examples of barrier reef in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Additionally, the 119-room Kimpton Grand Roatán Resort & Spa opened in 2023 on Roatán Island in Honduras, an idyllic tropical retreat situated along one of the world’s largest barrier reefs. Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 22 Jan. 2025 Over time, the volcanic mountain began eroding and sinking, but the barrier reef and lagoon kept growing. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Jan. 2025 Eastern Belize is famed for its second-largest barrier reef system, offering some of the world’s most spectacular diving and snorkeling experiences. Kaila Yu, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025 Surrounded by the world's fourth-largest barrier reef system, spanning over 11,000 square miles, the Red Sea has more than 90 untouched islands, pristine beaches, dormant volcanoes, sweeping desert dunes, mountain canyons and historical cultural sites. Christopher Elliott, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for barrier reef 

Word History

First Known Use

1805, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of barrier reef was in 1805

Dictionary Entries Near barrier reef

Cite this Entry

“Barrier reef.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barrier%20reef. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

barrier reef

noun
: a coral reef roughly parallel to a shore and separated from it by a lagoon

More from Merriam-Webster on barrier reef

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