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

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

He rode his his first wave in 1959, at the age of 16, from the breakwater at Half Moon Bay.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 25, 2026

The pier or breakwater is still accessible but there are locked gates and warning signs.

From BBC • May 20, 2025

High swells pounded the beach and showered Eifert as she stood on the breakwater, leaving her ski pants coated with beads of ice.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 6, 2024

So, when the backwash spewed him up again, he swam out and along, and scanned the coast for some landspit that made a breakwater.

From "The Odyssey" by Homer