seawall

noun

sea·​wall ˈsē-ˌwȯl How to pronounce seawall (audio)
Synonyms of seawallnext
: a wall or embankment to protect the shore from erosion or to act as a breakwater

Examples of seawall in a Sentence

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.
The city has been upgrading segments of seawalls over the years to reduce seawater overtopping, but much of its harbor-front property remains under threat. — Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026 The city said that tidal flooding sends saltwater into low-lying areas through waterways and drainage systems as well as over seawalls. — Larry Seward, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026 Nearby, other park visitors were strolling along the seawall and looking out over the Potomac River to view pink clouds reflected in the river. — Sophia Solano, Washington Post, 25 Oct. 2026 Numerous seawalls, decks and stairways were torn apart, and 33 oceanfront homes were destroyed. — Gary Griggs, The Conversation, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for seawall

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of seawall was in the 15th century

Rhymes for seawall

See All Rhymes for seawall

Browse Nearby Words

seave
seawall
sea-walled
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Cite this Entry

“Seawall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seawall. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

seawall

noun
sea·​wall ˈsē-ˌwȯl How to pronounce seawall (audio)
: a wall or bank to prevent sea waves from wearing away the shore

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