breakwater

[breyk-waw-ter, -wot-er]

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noun

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

Origin of breakwater

First recorded in 1715–25; break + water

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for breakwater

wharf, barrier, levee, embankment, pier

Examples from the Web for breakwater

Historical Examples of breakwater

There were boys bathing still from the breakwater of the rocks.
A Spirit in Prison
Robert Hichens
That bravado gave impetus to the pointed insolence on the Breakwater.
Mayflower (Flor de mayo)
Vicente Blasco Ibez
Yes, but his hand got well the moment the Mayflower was beyond the Breakwater.
Mayflower (Flor de mayo)
Vicente Blasco Ibez
As for doubling the Breakwater, he had given up hope of that!
Mayflower (Flor de mayo)
Vicente Blasco Ibez
Soon so many of them were in that the throng of the Breakwater was noticeably smaller.
Mayflower (Flor de mayo)
Vicente Blasco Ibez

British Dictionary definitions for breakwater

breakwater

noun

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

another name for groyne

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for breakwater

1721, from break (v.) + water (n.).

breakwater in Science

breakwater

[brāk′wô′tər]

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