Added 8 October 2026
breakwater
/ˈbɹeɪkˌwɔːtə/ noun
noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about breakwater at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
- A construction in or around a harbour designed to break the force of the sea and to provide shelter for vessels lying inside.
- A low bulkhead across the forecastle deck of a ship which diverts water breaking over the bows into the scuppers.
- A wooden or concrete barrier, usually perpendicular to the shore, intended to prevent the movement of sand along a coast.
Origin
From break + water. Compare Dutch breekwater (“breakwater”). Compare firebreak.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)