moat

noun

ˈmōt 

1

: a deep and wide trench around the rampart of a fortified place (such as a castle) that is usually filled with water

The moat can be crossed by a drawbridge.

2

: a channel resembling a moat (as about a seamount or for confinement of animals in a zoo)

A Bengal tiger stared at me from across the moat.

moated

ˈmō-təd 

adjective

moatlike

ˈmōt-ˌlīk 

adjective

Illustration of moat

• moat 1

Examples of moat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, for the foreseeable future of the next three or so years, a net loss appears inevitable as the company continues to scale and manage its technological leadership and further define its moat. —Gurufocus, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025

This provides the company with a wide moat and a large recurring subscription revenue stream. —Michael K. Farr, CNBC, 31 Dec. 2024

This is because the company is unlikely to command the moat and goodwill of Amazon or Microsoft as leading Big Tech companies. —Gurufocus, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024

Our favorite bite of the night was a dish with Kaluga caviar served atop a buckwheat blini that floated in a moat of beurre blanc. —Maddy Johnston, Axios, 4 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English mote, from Anglo-French mote, motte mound, moat

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

moat

noun

ˈmōt 

: a deep wide trench around the walls of a castle or fortress that is usually filled with water