embankment

noun

em·​bank·​ment im-ˈbaŋk-mənt 

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

Synonyms

• dam
• dike
• head
• levee

Examples of embankment in a Sentence

the embankment is steep, so be careful walking along the ridge

Recent Examples on the Web

The investigation will tear down the engines, examine components in depth, analyze in-flight and air traffic control data, and investigate the embankment, localizers and evidence of bird strike, the report said about its next steps. —Reuters, NBC News, 27 Jan. 2025

The report said authorities will disassemble the engines, examine their components in depth, analyze the black box and air traffic control data, and investigate the embankment, localizer and bird strike evidence to ultimately determine the cause of the crash. —Stephen Sorace, Fox News, 27 Jan. 2025

Heading further into the thing could have toppled our vehicle and sent us rolling down the embankment. —Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025

Footage showed the mangled wreckage on an embankment on the side of the highway. —Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1786, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

embankment

noun

em·​bank·​ment im-ˈbaŋk-mənt 

: a raised bank or wall to carry a roadway, prevent floods, or hold back water