rampart

noun

ram·​part ˈram-ˌpärt 

-pərt

1

: a protective barrier : bulwark

2

: a broad embankment raised as a fortification and usually surmounted by a parapet

3

: a wall-like ridge (as of rock fragments, earth, or debris)

Examples of rampart in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The buttery yellow ramparts encircling the center of Avignon stretch 2.6 miles and are notched with arrow slits and gaps for dumping boiling water or cooking oil on attackers below. —Catherine Porter, New York Times, 20 Dec. 2024

Thierry Teyssier re-envisaged the 200-year-old ochre kasbah and its rammed-earth ramparts to honor its Berber heritage with authenticity, elegance and an unrivaled romance. —Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Dec. 2023

All three countries’ influences are reflected in its charming cobblestone streets, grand colonial buildings, churches and ancient ramparts. —Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024

Over the past six decades Lucca Comics & Games, which is held annually within the medieval ramparts of the Tuscan town of Lucca, has expanded exponentially to become the largest geek meet in Europe. —Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 25 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from ramparer to fortify, from re- + emparer to defend, from Old Occitan emparar, from Vulgar Latin *imparare, from Latin in- in- entry 2 + parare to prepare — more at pare

First Known Use

1536, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

rampart

noun

ram·​part ˈram-ˌpärt 

-pərt

: a broad bank or wall raised as a protective barrier

also : any barrier that provides protection