Spanish word

dique

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈdike/

Meaning

  • masculine nounbreakwater

Example

Caminamos por el dique al atardecer.

We walked along the breakwater at sunset.

Illustration for dique (breakwater)

More examples

Los pescadores se sientan en el dique por la mañana.

The fishermen sit on the breakwater in the morning.

Core concept

Raised wall along a riverbank or coast made of rock, earth, or concrete to hold back water and weaken waves.

Common phrases

  • sentarse en el dique

    sit on the breakwater

  • hacer fotos en el dique

    take photos on the breakwater

Similar words

malecón: Seaside embankment with a raised promenade and walkway for strolling and enjoying the view.
rompeolas: Offshore barrier of rock or concrete that breaks and reduces wave energy to calm a harbor.

Definition in Spanish

Estructura de tierra, piedra o hormigón construida junto al mar o a un río para impedir la entrada de agua y reducir el oleaje.

Word origin

Dique is borrowed from French digue and ultimately from Dutch dijk, related to English dike and rooted in a Germanic term for an embankment.

Usage tips

  • The question '¿Es un dique o un malecón?' often clarifies whether a structure is a protective barrier or a waterfront promenade.

Other meanings

  • leveenoun
  • seawallnoun

Word lists with this word