battlement

noun

bat·​tle·​ment ˈba-tᵊl-mənt 

: a parapet with open spaces that surmounts a wall and is used for defense or decoration

battlemented

ˈba-tᵊl-ˌmen-təd 

adjective

Illustration of battlement

• 1 crenellations
• 2 merlons
• 3 machicolations

Examples of battlement in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Meanwhile, Desmond Castle stands watch beyond the village park—its stone battlements and arrow slits recalling Norman skirmishes and feudal lords. —Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025

As part of that, some of its defensive features like towers and battlements were removed. —Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 22 Aug. 2025

In 1890, the year McKinley’s tariffs sent panicked Canadians scrambling to the battlements, the State Department had only sixty-seven Washington employees. —Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 16 June 2025

This romantic Gothic Revival fortress, home to the Duke and Duchess of Rutland, commands an impressive presence with its battlements, turrets, and sweeping views over more than 15,000 acres of parkland. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 10 June 2025

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

Kids Definition

battlement

noun

bat·​tle·​ment ˈbat-ᵊl-mənt 

: a low wall (as at the top of a castle or a tower) with open spaces to shoot through