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

Ongoing efforts are afoot to create moats or enact barriers to prevent their competitors from copying their distinct accomplishments. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025

Beyond simply being remote, the continent has been isolated for millions of years by the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, which surrounds it like a moat around a castle. —Ashley Balzer Vigil, Scientific American, 21 Mar. 2025

Holding a significant market share (over 36%) in the US dialysis market, the company has a moat. —Gurufocus, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025

In the plundering of the castle, the abatises were tossed into the moat. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 5 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