breakwater

American  

[brayk-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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

breakwater

Long Beach’s breakwater protects the shore from waves from the west, but allows waves from the south to hit a narrow stretch of the peninsula that’s been badly damaged this year.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 22, 2026

The area historically has been hardest hit by high surf when powerful waves pass between the Alamitos Bay jetty and the breakwater which together act as a barrier between the ocean and the community.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 8, 2026

The H5N1 vaccination program, which also covers a popular little penguin population at a breakwater in the Melbourne beach suburb of St Kilda, is a challenge, he said.

From Barron's ● Aug. 20, 2026

The breakwater that separates Ceuta from Morocco, long regarded as ineffective, was left just as it was.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 9, 2026

A small stone breakwater had been thrown out across the cove for shelter, and behind it the bay formed a tiny natural harbour.

From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier

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