battlement

noun

bat·​tle·​ment ˈba-tᵊl-mənt How to pronounce battlement (audio)
Synonyms of battlementnext
: a parapet with open spaces that surmounts a wall and is used for defense or decoration
battlemented
ˈba-tᵊl-ˌmen-təd How to pronounce battlement (audio)
adjective

Illustration of battlement

Illustration of battlement
  • 1 crenellations
  • 2 merlons
  • 3 machicolations

Examples of battlement 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.
Sunrise—when the battlements catch the first light, and the silence runs unbroken along the ridgeline. — Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 20 Feb. 2026 The flag flies high over the ancient battlements here, where more than 200 years of history send a proud chill. — Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 1 June 2026 The group has quite literally been split into two camps, separated by barbed wire, battlements, and corpses. — Jack King, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2025 Buildings of this style were often made of stone and could be identified by their elaborate asymmetrical rooflines, tourelles, and battlements with machicolations—all of which can be seen enveloping the façade of Ardross Castle. — Alison McDermott, Architectural Digest, 19 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for battlement

Word History

Etymology

Middle English batelment, from Anglo-French *bataillement, from batailler to fortify with battlements — more at battle

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of battlement was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

battle line
battlement
battlemented
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

battlement

noun
bat·​tle·​ment ˈbat-ᵊl-mənt How to pronounce battlement (audio)
: a low wall (as at the top of a castle or a tower) with open spaces to shoot through
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