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.

---

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

---

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.

---

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

Mr Ramsay said there was evidence that a "lifeguard on breakwater had worked in the past".

From BBC • May 21, 2025

Workman Dave Kirkwood sprays live steam rocks at the harbor at Santa Barbara breakwater to clear oil smears.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2025

To his right the harbor lay enclosed by its breakwater.

From "The Subtle Knife" by Philip Pullman