1
: a narrow shelf, path, or ledge typically at the top or bottom of a slope
also : a mound or wall of earth or sand
a landscaped berm
2
: the shoulder of a road
deer … feeding on the berm of the highwayNorman Erickson

Examples of berm 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.
Large earthen berms force vehicles to swerve in a zigzag; at one checkpoint, an aging battle tank sits at the ready, its cannon pointing at surrounding Sunni Bedouin towns. Taylor Luck, Christian Science Monitor, 11 June 2025 The facility will also host lacrosse, which by that time could be on its way to being a solid revenue generator thanks in no small part to amenities – the Bulls currently play at Corbett Stadium, a soccer complex with 1,000 seats and grassy berms on three sides – the new venue will provide. Tom Layberger, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025 Fresh lures include a large net climbing tower, double-arch swings that can seat up to five children, climbing berms of artificial and natural turf, and an area with a whirl ride and seesaw. Jack Schnedler, Arkansas Online, 26 May 2025 It is protected by berms, trenches and several military outposts. Samuel Granados, New York Times, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for berm

Word History

Etymology

French berme, from Dutch berm strip of ground along a dike; akin to Middle English brimme brim

First Known Use

1693, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of berm was in 1693

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Berm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/berm. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

berm

noun
: a shelf or path at the top or bottom of a slope
also : a mound or wall of earth

More from Merriam-Webster on berm

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!