moat

noun

ˈmōt How to pronounce moat (audio)
Synonyms of moatnext
1
: a deep and wide trench around the rampart of a fortified place (such as a castle) that is usually filled with water
The moat can be crossed by a drawbridge.
2
: a channel resembling a moat (as about a seamount or for confinement of animals in a zoo)
A Bengal tiger stared at me from across the moat.
moated
ˈmō-təd How to pronounce moat (audio)
adjective
moatlike
ˈmōt-ˌlīk How to pronounce moat (audio)
adjective

Illustration of moat

Illustration of moat
  • moat 1

Examples of moat in a Sentence

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.
That feedback loop may become one of the sector’s strongest competitive moats. — Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 The moat In June, Higgs responded to his neighbors’ ongoing frustration by digging a moat to divert rain water. — Zuri Primos july 27, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026 To discourage ants from returning, inspect new plants, use a sticky barrier, or create a moat. — Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 July 2026 JPMorgan initiates Moog as overweight JPMorgan said the aerospace company has a wide moat. — Michael Bloom, CNBC, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for moat

Word History

Etymology

Middle English mote, from Anglo-French mote, motte mound, moat

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of moat was in the 15th century

Rhymes for moat

See All Rhymes for moat

Browse Nearby Words

Moarian
moat
Moazagotl cloud
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Moat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moat. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

moat

noun
ˈmōt How to pronounce moat (audio)
: a deep wide trench around the walls of a castle or fortress that is usually filled with water

More from Merriam-Webster on moat

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for moat

Nglish: Translation of moat for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about moat

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