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.
Decades ago, farmers built simple earthen embankments to protect their fields and livestock from seasonal flooding. Farshid Vahedifard, The Conversation, 29 Dec. 2025 His friends took a different path down the levee embankment toward the road. Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 23 Dec. 2025 Troopers believe the Jeep lost control, hit an embankment, and then a tree before catching fire after exiting onto the ramp. Andrew Adeolu, CBS News, 21 Dec. 2025 Cortney said Park's body was then pushed down an embankment and covered with leaves, and that the fetus was placed in a cooler, then a trash bag, before being thrown into a dumpster. Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 12 Dec. 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 2 Jan. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on embankment

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