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

The vehicle went into an embankment about a mile north of the East Kuna Mora Road interchange and overturned, according to police. — Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 15 Oct. 2026

Her remains were found in 1990 by accident, as fire department crews were responding to a traffic collision down an embankment near Highway 33 and Creek Road. — Julie Sharp, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026

Search crews found Granbery on Sunday at the bottom of a steep embankment along Cabin Creek. — Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Granbery was located on Sunday at the bottom of a steep embankment with multiple significant injuries from a fall and from exposure, and was airlifted to a medical center to receive treatment, Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office said. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 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