embankment

noun

em·​bank·​ment im-ˈbaŋk-mənt How to pronounce embankment (audio)
1
: a raised structure (as of earth or gravel) used especially to hold back water or to carry a roadway
2
: the action of embanking

Examples of embankment in a Sentence

the embankment is steep, so be careful walking along the ridge
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.
Or that one that tipped over changing lanes on the Garden State Parkway, and tumbled side-over-side down a steep embankment into a quarry, killing 8. Jonathan Rowe, SPIN, 18 Dec. 2024 The tree Tipton clung to was about 75 feet off the embankment, with floodwaters rushing around it. Chris Kenning, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024 Security was tight, with police vans and soldiers in body armor patrolling embankments, while a special detail followed President-elect Donald Trump. Thomas Adamson and John Leicester, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2024 The inspection found deterioration of the spillway outfall pipe, and trees growing upstream, downstream and along the embankment. Sherry Greenfield, Baltimore Sun, 8 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for embankment 

Word History

First Known Use

1786, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of embankment was in 1786

Dictionary Entries Near embankment

Cite this Entry

“Embankment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embankment. Accessed 2 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

embankment

noun
em·​bank·​ment im-ˈbaŋk-mənt How to pronounce embankment (audio)
: a raised bank or wall to carry a roadway, prevent floods, or hold back water

More from Merriam-Webster on embankment

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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