berm

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noun \ ˈbərm \

Definition of berm

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 highway
—Norman Erickson

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Recent Examples of berm from the Web

For a few months before the border closure, Syrians could climb over the berm to pick up supplies or get medical treatment from aid groups on the Jordanian side.

— karin laub, The Seattle Times, "Obstacles mount in fight to aid Syrians stranded near Jordan," 17 July 2017
So has Donald Jonas, of Overland Park, who successfully defended his berms of native grass and shrubs a few years ago.

— roxie hammill, kansascity, "They’re not tidy, but natural yards provide a boost to the ecosystem with native plants," 30 June 2017
Berms separate the paddy into four sections to better control water levels.

— don behm, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Rice planting in Mequon is historic first for Wisconsin," 29 June 2017
Also, build a 4- to 6-inch berm of soil at the edge of each root ball.

— tom maccubbin, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Turn to natural insecticides to keep cucumbers worm free," 24 June 2017
When the board took too long to hear his application, Ross pre-emptively built the barrier— a 6-foot fence on top of a 3-foot berm along the property line adjacent to Montauk Highway.

— vanityfair.com, VanityFair.com, "Does Everything That Donald Trump Touches Die?," 23 June 2017
When the board took too long to hear his application, Ross pre-emptively built the barrier— a 6-foot fence on top of a 3-foot berm along the property line adjacent to Montauk Highway.

— bess levin, The Hive, "Does Everything That Donald Trump Touches Die?," 23 June 2017
A teenager on an all-terrain vehicle whizzes by an otherwise-quiet Saginaw neighborhood, accelerating up and down an 8-foot earthen berm that serves as a barrier between railroad tracks and the brick houses 100 feet away.

— gordon dickson, star-telegram.com, "Quiet zones at railroad crossings are popular. But are they safe?," 22 June 2017
Merrillville Plan Commission deferred acting on the second phase of the Hunters Glen North duplex development, citing two items that were conditions for approval in the first phase that have yet to be completed, including construction of a berm.

— karen caffarini, Post-Tribune, "Duplex developer's plans on hold in Merrillville," 21 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'berm.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of berm

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

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First Known Use: 1693

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Other Geology Terms

anthracite, boulder, cwm, erratic, igneous, intrusive, mesa, sedimentary, silt, swale

BERM Defined for English Language Learners

berm

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noun

Definition of berm for English Language Learners

: a small hill or wall of dirt or sand

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See words that rhyme with berm Spanish Central: Translation of berm Nglish: Translation of berm for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about berm

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