noun
breakwater
BRAYK-waw-tur/ˈbreɪkwɔːtər/
A barrier built to protect a shore or harbor from waves.
Waves crash against the breakwater while boats rest in the sheltered harbor.
Etymology
Break and water name the barrier by its job: breaking the force of incoming waves. By weakening that force, it protects the harbor or shore behind it.
In context
… they came to a spot where an outlying reef formed a breakwater. Within was a belt of calm water …
More examples
- The storm damaged part of the breakwater.
- Workers extend the stone breakwater farther into the bay.
- Fishing boats pass through the gap between the breakwaters.
Forms
breakwater · breakwaters
Similar words
- seawall
- A seawall protects the shoreline directly; a breakwater reduces wave force before it reaches sheltered water or shore.