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.
Animals may turn back when faced with icy berms when the snow is deep. Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 5 Oct. 2025 If drainage is a problem, amend soil with compost or plant on mounds or berms. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 1 Oct. 2025 The new levees will replace old dirt berms that are 6 to 10 feet high. Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025 That site has been specially landscaped with craters, rocks and berms. Leonard David, Space.com, 15 Sep. 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 10 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

berm

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

More from Merriam-Webster on berm

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