rampart

noun

ram·​part ˈram-ˌpärt 

-pərt

1

: a protective barrier : bulwark

2

: a broad embankment raised as a fortification and usually surmounted by a parapet

3

: a wall-like ridge (as of rock fragments, earth, or debris)

Examples of rampart in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Detailed choreography accompanies ever aspect of politicking, from chasing votes in a minor municipal election to addressing the nation from the ramparts of Delhi’s Red Fort. —Milan Vaishnav, Foreign Affairs, 18 Mar. 2021

After the damning verdict, everyone seemed to rush for the partisan ramparts. —Calvin Woodward, Chicago Tribune, 31 May 2024

As evidence for this, ramparts dating back around 3,000 years have been unearthed around the cathedral. —Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 24 May 2024

Some also contained ramparts with their own chambers, gates with defensive features and staggered entrances. —Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 5 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from ramparer to fortify, from re- + emparer to defend, from Old Occitan emparar, from Vulgar Latin *imparare, from Latin in- in- entry 2 + parare to prepare — more at pare

First Known Use

1536, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

rampart

noun

ram·​part ˈram-ˌpärt 

-pərt

: a broad bank or wall raised as a protective barrier

also : any barrier that provides protection