Main Entry:

¹bul·wark

Pronunciation:

\ˈbu̇l-(ˌ)wərk, -ˌwȯrk; ˈbəl-(ˌ)wərk; sense 3 also ˈbə-ˌläk\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English bulwerke, from Middle Dutch bolwerc, from bolle tree trunk + werc work

Date:

15th century

1 a: a solid wall-like structure raised for defense : rampart b: breakwater, seawall2: a strong support or protection3: the side of a ship above the upper deck —usually used in plural