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.
According to police, a preliminary investigation indicated that the Jeep was attempting to exit onto the ramp for southbound I-83 when, for unknown reasons, the vehicle lost control and hit the embankment then a tree before catching fire. Matt Hubbard, Baltimore Sun, 6 Apr. 2025 Auvers-sur-Oise’s mayor, Isabelle Mézières, has for five years argued that the embankment was public property, but earlier this month, an appeals court in Versailles sided with Jean-François and Hélène Serlinger, the owners of a residence that includes where van Gogh made Tree Roots (1890). Angelica Villa For Artnews, Robb Report, 6 Apr. 2025 Stroll along the Danube embankment while admiring gorgeous Art Nouveau and neo-Classical architecture on both sides of the river. Evan Rail, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025 They will be allowed to resume once repairs to the damaged embankment are completed. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Embankment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embankment. Accessed 16 Apr. 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

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