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.
Video shows a vehicle partially submerged in the ocean after being pushed off an embankment. Hanna Park and Mary Gilbert, CNN, 14 Feb. 2025 Police said the snowmobile drove off the trail, down a steep embankment and struck multiple trees. David Matthews, New York Daily News, 3 Feb. 2025 The impact sent Ortiz’s Ford Edge down an embankment. City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Jan. 2025 Troopers then found the driver of the car that went off the embankment. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 27 Jan. 2025 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 21 Feb. 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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