barrier

noun

bar·​ri·​er ˈber-ē-ər How to pronounce barrier (audio)
ˈba-rē-
Synonyms of barriernext
1
a
: something material that blocks or is intended to block passage
highway barriers
a barrier contraceptive
b
: a natural formation or structure that prevents or hinders movement or action
geographic barriers to species dissemination
barrier beaches
drugs that cross the placental barrier
2
barriers or Barriers plural : a medieval war game in which combatants fight on foot with a fence or railing between them
3
: something immaterial that impedes or separates : obstacle
behavioral barriers
trade barriers

Synonyms of barrier

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Examples of barrier in a Sentence

Concrete barriers surround the race track to protect spectators. The tree's roots serve as a barrier against soil erosion. The mountain range forms a natural barrier between the two countries. Both leaders are in favor of removing trade barriers. Cultural barriers have made it hard for women to enter many professions. He argues that regulations should not be viewed as barriers to progress.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Structural inflation, fueled by government deficits, AI investments, low unemployment rates, growing trade barriers and energy disruptions, is reshaping the landscape for markets, according to Fidelity International. — Justina Lee, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026 Lacking a magnetic field or atmosphere, the Moon’s surface has no barrier to prevent the constant flow of this wind. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2026 Electric powertrains have fewer moving parts than internal combustion engines, and advances in batteries, motors, software, and contract manufacturing have lowered some barriers to entry. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026 Ferguson said community meetings should be offered at different times and in different parts of the city to accommodate work schedules and ensure transportation does not become a barrier to participation. — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for barrier

Word History

Etymology

Middle English barrere, from Anglo-French, from barre bar

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of barrier was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing barrier

Rhymes for barrier

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Browse Nearby Words

Barrie
barrier
barrier berg
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Barrier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barrier. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

barrier

noun
bar·​ri·​er ˈbar-ē-ər How to pronounce barrier (audio)
1
: something (as a fence, railing, or natural obstacle) that blocks the way
2
: something not material that keeps apart or makes progress difficult
language barriers

Medical Definition

barrier

noun
bar·​ri·​er ˈbar-ē-ər How to pronounce barrier (audio)
1
a
: a material object or set of objects that separates, demarcates, or serves as a barricade see blood-brain barrier, placental barrier
b
: a contraceptive device (such as a condom or cervical cap) that prevents sperm from entering the uterus
—often used before another noun
barrier contraception
2
: a factor that tends to restrict the free movement, mingling, or interbreeding of individuals or populations
behavioral and geographic barriers to hybridization
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