breastwork

noun

breast·​work ˈbrest-ˌwərk How to pronounce breastwork (audio)
: a temporary fortification

Word History

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of breastwork was in 1633

Dictionary Entries Near breastwork

Cite this Entry

“Breastwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breastwork. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

breastwork

noun
breast·​work ˈbrest-ˌwərk How to pronounce breastwork (audio)
: a wall thrown together to serve as a defense in battle

More from Merriam-Webster on breastwork

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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