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.
At least one person was seriously injured when a vehicle left Interstate 91 in Windsor late Tuesday and went down an embankment. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 16 July 2025 Authorities found the girls' bodies down an embankment at a campsite in the Cascade Mountains. CBS News, 7 July 2025 Fire crews sprayed water up the embankment to extinguish the blaze, which burned brush covering an area about 20 feet by 50 feet, according to San Diego Fire-Rescue. Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 June 2025 The big costs are building the dam system, embankments and a pedestrian bridge. Michael Slaten, Oc Register, 23 June 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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