moat

noun

ˈmōt 

1

: a deep and wide trench around the rampart of a fortified place (such as a castle) that is usually filled with water

The moat can be crossed by a drawbridge.

2

: a channel resembling a moat (as about a seamount or for confinement of animals in a zoo)

A Bengal tiger stared at me from across the moat.

moated

ˈmō-təd 

adjective

moatlike

ˈmōt-ˌlīk 

adjective

Illustration of moat

• moat 1

Examples of moat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Use safe methods like ant moats, fishing line, diatomaceous earth, and repellent scents to block access. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 18 May 2025

Success requires a customer-back approach, deep vertical focus, building robust moats like data flywheels tied to business metrics, securing durable revenue beyond hype, and earning customer trust. —Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025

An unloved ‘moat’ around the Estadio Jose Zorilla pitch was removed while amenities for players, club staff and supporters improved considerably. —Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025

Those with a wide moat from their competition are even better. —Steve Booren, The Denver Post, 16 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English mote, from Anglo-French mote, motte mound, moat

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for moat

• bloat
• boat
• choate
• coat
• cote
• dote
• float
• gloat
• goat
• groat
• haute
• mote

Kids Definition

moat

noun

ˈmōt 

: a deep wide trench around the walls of a castle or fortress that is usually filled with water