rampart

noun

ram·​part ˈram-ˌpärt 

-pərt

1

: a protective barrier : bulwark

2

: a broad embankment raised as a fortification and usually surmounted by a parapet

3

: a wall-like ridge (as of rock fragments, earth, or debris)

Examples of rampart in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Our stroll began outside the medieval gate—only residents can drive through the stone ramparts—and ended with an aperitif on the square. —Kevin West, Travel + Leisure, 8 May 2026

Located in the idyllic region of Ripollès, the ramparts of castle Llaés look out upon both the Pyrenees and bucolic hillsides where goats graze. —Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 29 Apr. 2026

Military engineers resorted to building lower, thicker ramparts, backed by earth, and sought to eliminate blind spots by building angular bastions — the aforementioned extrusions. —Big Think, 27 Mar. 2026

In a calmer corner of the ramparts, over-looking the bay, Loyda Rosa’s pioneering plant-forward restaurant, Verde Mesa, has helped lay the foundations for the island’s flourishing farm-to-table scene since launching in 2009. —Ben Olsen, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from ramparer to fortify, from re- + emparer to defend, from Old Occitan emparar, from Vulgar Latin *imparare, from Latin in- in- entry 2 + parare to prepare — more at pare

First Known Use

1536, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rampart

• apart
• depart
• flowchart
• forepart
• impart
• pushcart
• redstart
• restart
• subpart
• sweetheart
• upstart
• art

Kids Definition

rampart

noun

ram·​part ˈram-ˌpärt 

-pərt

: a broad bank or wall raised as a protective barrier

also : any barrier that provides protection