great barrier reef: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Geographical, Scientific, Journalistic, Tourism
Quick answer
What does “great barrier reef” mean?
A massive, living coral reef system located in the Coral Sea off the coast of Queensland, Australia. It is the world's largest coral reef ecosystem.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A massive, living coral reef system located in the Coral Sea off the coast of Queensland, Australia. It is the world's largest coral reef ecosystem.
A prominent example of a biodiverse marine habitat; a UNESCO World Heritage Site; a popular tourist destination and a subject of significant environmental concern due to threats like coral bleaching. Often used metonymically to represent natural wonders or ecological fragility.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling of related words may differ (e.g., 'centre of the reef' vs. 'center of the reef').
Connotations
Equally recognised as a major natural landmark. Slightly greater cultural proximity and travel relevance for Australians and New Zealanders, who often use the abbreviation 'the Reef'.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties within relevant contexts (geography, environmental science, travel).
Grammar
How to Use “great barrier reef” in a Sentence
[The] Great Barrier Reef + [Verb: is, lies, stretches, suffers, faces][Verb: visit, explore, protect, damage, study] + the Great Barrier Reef[Preposition: off, along, near, on] + the Great Barrier ReefVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “great barrier reef” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The new policy aims to Great Barrier Reef-proof future coastal developments.
- The documentary Great Barrier Reef-ed the public's attention on bleaching.
American English
- The legislation seeks to Great Barrier Reef-proof future coastal developments.
- The film Great Barrier Reef-ed the nation's attention on bleaching.
adjective
British English
- This is a quintessential Great Barrier Reef experience.
- The Great Barrier Reef ecosystem is complex.
American English
- This is a quintessential Great Barrier Reef experience.
- The Great Barrier Reef ecosystem is complex.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The tourism sector relies heavily on the Great Barrier Reef.
Academic
Recent studies indicate a 30% decline in coral cover across the Great Barrier Reef.
Everyday
We're saving up to go snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef next year.
Technical
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority manages zoning plans to mitigate anthropogenic stressors on the benthic community.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “great barrier reef”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “great barrier reef”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “great barrier reef”
- Incorrect: 'Great Barrier Reaf', 'Great Barrier Reefs' (when referring to the single system). Incorrect article use: 'We visited Great Barrier Reef' (must use 'the').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not a single continuous reef. It is a vast complex of over 2,900 individual reefs and around 900 islands stretching over 2,300 kilometres.
Yes, it is often cited as one of the few living structures visible from low Earth orbit, appearing as a faint line off the coast of Australia.
It is classified as a 'barrier' reef because it runs parallel to the coastline, forming a barrier between the open ocean (the Coral Sea) and the shallower coastal waters, protecting the coast.
Its UNESCO World Heritage Site status recognises its outstanding universal value. This status also places international scrutiny on Australia's management of the reef, particularly regarding conservation efforts against threats like climate change.
A massive, living coral reef system located in the Coral Sea off the coast of Queensland, Australia. It is the world's largest coral reef ecosystem.
Great barrier reef is usually formal, geographical, scientific, journalistic, tourism in register.
Great barrier reef: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡreɪt ˌbæriə ˈriːf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡreɪt ˌbæriər ˈriːf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A canary in the coal mine for climate change (used metaphorically for the Reef)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a GREAT wall (BARRIER) under the sea, made of coral, that REEFs in all the marine life (like a 'reef' in sailing gathers in the sail).
Conceptual Metaphor
NATURAL WONDER IS A PRECIOUS BUT FRAGILE OBJECT; THE PLANET'S HEALTH IS THE REEF'S HEALTH.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary environmental threat most associated with the Great Barrier Reef in recent news?