embankment

noun

em·​bank·​ment im-ˈbaŋk-mənt 

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

Synonyms of embankment

• levee
• dam

Examples of embankment in a Sentence

the embankment is steep, so be careful walking along the ridge

Recent Examples on the Web

In northwestern Kentucky, just outside Louisville, Bullitt County emergency management officials asked residents of a rural road to evacuate as a precaution after a landslide at a dam embankment. — CBS News, 27 June 2026

An initial investigation determined that the BMW was eastbound on the highway when the driver lost control, causing the vehicle to go off the road and down a steep embankment. — Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 23 June 2026

Barmettler was last seen June 1 east of Garden Valley, and his vehicle was found that same day stranded on a steep embankment near milepost 4 on South Fork Road. — Chadd Cripe. Produced With Ai Assistance, Idaho Statesman, 23 June 2026

Riding mowers are not designed for wet conditions and are more likely to roll on embankments. — Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1786, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

embankment

noun

em·​bank·​ment im-ˈbaŋk-mənt 

: a raised bank or wall to carry a roadway, prevent floods, or hold back water