# breakwater

/ˈbɹeɪˌkwɔtɝ/ (US) · /bɹˈeɪkwɔːtɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/breakwater
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

a long wall built out into the sea to block strong waves and keep a harbour or beach safe.

For teachers: a barrier structure extending into or enclosing a body of water, designed to dissipate wave energy and shelter a harbour or shoreline from erosion.

## Examples

- The breakwater protects the harbour from strong waves.
- Fishing boats shelter behind the breakwater while the storm passes along the coast.
- Engineers extended the granite breakwater another hundred metres after winter swells repeatedly breached the old harbour entrance.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.