battlement

noun

bat·​tle·​ment ˈba-tᵊl-mənt How to pronounce battlement (audio)
: a parapet with open spaces that surmounts a wall and is used for defense or decoration
battlemented adjective

Illustration of battlement

Illustration of battlement
  • 1 crenellations
  • 2 merlons
  • 3 machicolations

Examples of battlement in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In 1890, the year McKinley’s tariffs sent panicked Canadians scrambling to the battlements, the State Department had only sixty-seven Washington employees. Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 16 June 2025 This romantic Gothic Revival fortress, home to the Duke and Duchess of Rutland, commands an impressive presence with its battlements, turrets, and sweeping views over more than 15,000 acres of parkland. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 10 June 2025 The castle now belongs to the family of an Italian lawyer who purchased the fortified island in 1912 and began restoration of its battlements, churches, convents, crypts and gardens. Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 10 June 2025 One more guard will be patrolling the battlements at the top, but getting past him is just a matter of timing. Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 4 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for battlement

Word History

Etymology

Middle English batelment, from Anglo-French *bataillement, from batailler to fortify with battlements — more at battle

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of battlement was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Battlement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/battlement. Accessed 26 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

battlement

noun
bat·​tle·​ment ˈbat-ᵊl-mənt How to pronounce battlement (audio)
: a low wall (as at the top of a castle or a tower) with open spaces to shoot through
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