breakwater

American  

[breyk-waw-ter, -wot-er] / ˈbreɪkˌwɔ tər, -ˌwɒt ər /

noun

1. a barrier that breaks the force of waves, as before a harbor.

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breakwater British  

/ ˈbreɪkˌwɔːtə /

noun

1. Also called: mole.  a massive wall built out into the sea to protect a shore or harbour from the force of waves

2. another name for groyne

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breakwater Scientific  

/ brāk′wô′tər /

1. An offshore barrier, such as a jetty, that protects a harbor or shore from the full impact of waves.

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Etymology

Origin of breakwater

First recorded in 1715–25; break + water

Example Sentences

The project Collins chose to champion in her first television advertisement in May was the Eastport breakwater, a pier in Eastport, Maine, that collapsed in 2014.

From Slate • Jun. 16, 2026

Markets are focused on the rupee as it dwindles toward the psychological breakwater of 100 to the dollar.

From Barron's • May 21, 2026

Go for the sea views and breakwater strolls, as well as a sophisticated crafts market.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

The study is intended to help researchers understand how the manmade breakwater that was built in the 1930s in Santa Monica Bay, often visible during low tide, might hurt water circulation and, therefore, water quality.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 15, 2025

At the end of the breakwater, there was a field of yellow reeds to the right, and dunes beyond, and the ocean behind it all.

From "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri