battlement

noun

bat·​tle·​ment ˈba-tᵊl-mənt How to pronounce battlement (audio)
Synonyms of battlementnext
: a parapet with open spaces that surmounts a wall and is used for defense or decoration
battlemented adjective

Illustration of battlement

Illustration of battlement
  • 1 crenellations
  • 2 merlons
  • 3 machicolations

Examples of battlement in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Athenry Castle Overlooking the Clarinbridge River in County Galway, 13th-century Athenry Castle still retains parts of its medieval walls, battlements, and decorative stone carvings. Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 22 May 2026 The castle, built as a home for Col. William Henry Morgan in 1904 with towers, turrets, and battlements (and a rotunda and exquisite woodcarving inside), served as an Elks Lodge from 1938 to 1964; corporate headquarters for Alliance Machine; and later as a public school administration office. Jacqueline Kehoe, Midwest Living, 22 Apr. 2026 Buildings of this style were often made of stone and could be identified by their elaborate asymmetrical rooflines, tourelles, and battlements with machicolations—all of which can be seen enveloping the façade of Ardross Castle. Alison McDermott, Architectural Digest, 19 Feb. 2026 Octave wants to show me the renovations to the battlements. Elisa Shua Dusapin, Literary Hub, 9 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for battlement

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of battlement was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Battlement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/battlement. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

battlement

noun
bat·​tle·​ment ˈbat-ᵊl-mənt How to pronounce battlement (audio)
: a low wall (as at the top of a castle or a tower) with open spaces to shoot through
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