motte

noun

: mound, hill
especially : a hill serving as a site for a Norman castle in Britain

Examples of motte in a Sentence

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.
Condon Castle, in Moorepark, also known as Cloghleagh Castle, is a simple stone fortress that rises seven stories above a low motte overlooking what was once the main Cork-Dublin road. Josh Condon, Robb Report, 5 Mar. 2023

Word History

Etymology

French, from Old French mote, motte

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of motte was in 1884

Dictionary Entries Near motte

Cite this Entry

“Motte.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motte. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on motte

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!