embankment

noun

em·​bank·​ment im-ˈbaŋk-mənt How to pronounce embankment (audio)
Synonyms of embankmentnext
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.
The house sits on a road tucked alongside a steep railroad embankment, where tracks carry rumbling trains to a rail yard in the village of fewer than 1,000 residents. Julie Carr Smyth, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 The house where the children were found sits on a road tucked away alongside a steep railroad embankment, where tracks carry rumbling trains through Hamden. CBS News, 1 July 2026 An initial investigation determined that the BMW was eastbound on the highway when the driver lost control, causing the vehicle to go off the road and down a steep embankment. Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 23 June 2026 Barmettler was last seen June 1 east of Garden Valley, and his vehicle was found that same day stranded on a steep embankment near milepost 4 on South Fork Road. Chadd Cripe. Produced With Ai Assistance, Idaho Statesman, 23 June 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Embankment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embankment. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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

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