sandbar

American  

[sand-bahr] / ˈsændˌbɑr /

Or sand bar

noun

1. a bar of sand formed in a river or sea by the action of tides or currents.

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sandbar Scientific  

/ sănd′bär′ /

1. A long mass or low ridge of submerged or partially exposed sand built up in the water along a shore or beach by the action of waves or currents.

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Etymology

Origin of sandbar

First recorded in 1760–70

Explanation

A sandbar is a long ridge of sand that's either underwater or rising just above the surface. When sailors are navigating close to the shore, they have to watch out for sandbars. Sandbars form in rivers and oceans when moving water pushes sand or sediment up into a long, narrow slope. These natural formations are often submerged, which can make them hazardous for boats. During low tide, some ocean sandbars become exposed and provide a safe, dry way to walk out to a nearby island — at least until the tide comes in and the sandbar vanishes under the waves again.

Example Sentences

Rings: When you wear the upcoming Sandbar Stream, which I tried out, you raise your hand to your mouth and tap the ring’s touchpad to talk to the AI.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 12, 2025

Sandbar, dusky and other native shark populations are also starting to make a comeback after years of overfishing.

From Fox News • Aug. 19, 2021

Sandbar sharks, also called brown sharks, are found in grassy shallow areas in the summer and fall, according to the Chesapeake Bay Program.

From Washington Post • Aug. 6, 2021

Other restaurants include the Italian Sea-Guini, which has a pasta-making station, and the beachside Sandbar, with live music on weekends.

From New York Times • Jun. 1, 2016

He promised that they would see something of it, but they could not make it that evening, so they landed in Sandbar Reach for the night.

From The River Prophet by Coleman, Ralph P. (Ralph Pallen)

Related Words

• reef
• shoal