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

• levee
• dam

Examples of embankment in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Sherry, 65, and Monty Walden, 69, said the river rose above their 25-foot embankment. —Nbc News, NBC news, 10 July 2025

His daughters’ bodies were nearly 100 yards away down a small embankment, along with zip ties and plastic bags found strewn throughout the area, according to a police affidavit. —Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 7 July 2025

The Dodge continued, going through a fence and down a grassy embankment, according to the news release. —Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 19 June 2025

Law enforcement discovered the three children's bodies down a small embankment some 100 yards past the truck, with zip ties and plastic bags strewn around that whole area. —Rachel Treisman, NPR, 10 June 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