1
: a narrow shelf, path, or ledge typically at the top or bottom of a slope
also : a mound or wall of earth or sand
a landscaped berm
2
: the shoulder of a road
deer … feeding on the berm of the highwayNorman Erickson

Examples of berm 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.
Air safety regulators outside South Korea said the localizer might have been placed atop the berm to ensure a strong signal. Grace Moon, New York Times, 1 May 2025 The outfield berm feels like a spring training game and with no direct access to the clubhouse complexes, players can’t work out in the cages between innings. Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 12 Apr. 2025 In fact, there are many aspects of Haymitch’s games that were omitted from the Quarter Quell’s footage; Haymitch’s attempts to destroy the arena are obviously not shown, nor are his discovery of the tunnels beneath the berms. Ashley Wolfgang, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025 Wielding wheelbarrows and shovels, the volunteers learned from San Diego Parks and Recreation Department workers about how to make protective soil berms to help the trees take root. Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for berm

Word History

Etymology

French berme, from Dutch berm strip of ground along a dike; akin to Middle English brimme brim

First Known Use

1693, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of berm was in 1693

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Berm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/berm. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

berm

noun
: a shelf or path at the top or bottom of a slope
also : a mound or wall of earth

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