barrier
BA-ree-uh
Barrier (noun) means a physical structure that blocks passage or access. Example: “Workers put up a barrier at the end of the road to stop cars entering.”
noun
1
A physical structure that blocks passage or access.
"Workers put up a barrier at the end of the road to stop cars entering."
"A metal barrier separated the crowd from the runway."
"The fallen tree acted as a barrier across the trail."
2
Something that prevents progress or makes an action difficult.
"Shyness can be a real barrier when you are trying to make new friends."
"The language barrier made it hard for them to communicate at first."
"Cost remains a major barrier to homeownership for young families."
How to use barrier
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAnything — physical or abstract — that blocks passage or progress.
Common pairings
language barrier
break down barriers
a barrier to entry
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Word forms
- Plural
- barriers
- Third person singular
- barriers
- Past tense
- barriered
Fill the gap
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Workers put up a _____ at the end of the road to stop cars entering.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman barrere, ultimately from barre ("bar").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for barrier
See all rhymes for barrier →Frequently asked questions
What does “barrier” mean?
The word “barrier” means a physical structure that blocks passage or access. In plain terms, anything — physical or abstract — that blocks passage or progress.
How do you pronounce “barrier”?
“Barrier” is pronounced BA-ree-uh (/ˈbæɹi.ə/ in IPA).
How do you use “barrier” in a sentence?
Here is “barrier” used in a sentence: “A metal barrier separated the crowd from the runway.”
What part of speech is “barrier”?
“Barrier” is a noun.
Where does the word “barrier” come from?
The word “barrier” comes from Anglo-Norman. From Anglo-Norman barrere, ultimately from barre ("bar").
Is “barrier” a common word?
“Barrier” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “barrier” have?
“Barrier” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a physical structure that blocks passage or access.
What is the difference between a "barrier" and a "fence"?
A fence is a specific structure, usually of wood, wire, or metal, that marks a boundary, while a barrier is any object or obstacle that blocks passage or access. A fence is one kind of barrier, but a barrier can also be a wall, gate, or even something invisible.
What is the difference between a "barrier" and an "obstacle"?
Both hinder progress, but a barrier often blocks completely and can be physical or figurative, while an obstacle is something in the way that must be got around or overcome. A "language barrier" fully blocks understanding; an obstacle is more like a hurdle to clear.
What are common phrases with "barrier"?
Common collocations include "language barrier," "crash barrier," "sound barrier," "trade barrier," and "barrier to entry." A "barrier to entry" is something that makes it hard to start in a market or field.
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