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

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

“For example, the breakwater protects the beach from large waves, keeping the beach wider than it would naturally be.”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 15, 2025

He added they would start monitoring the breakwater from the late May bank holiday on Monday, which is the start of lifeguards' summer season.

From BBC • May 20, 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