berm

noun

ˈbərm 

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

Examples of berm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Winners are not necessarily the team that builds the biggest berm. — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 May 2026

On the solstice, the first goal was to clear trash that had found its way onto the orchard, then form makeshift berms out of rocks dispersed around the space. — Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

Additionally, soil can be amended or plants installed on a berm to improve drainage. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 11 June 2026

In past years, Maplewood has added noise-deadening baffles and a sound-deflecting berm to the site. — Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 12 May 2026

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

Rhymes for berm

• ferm
• firm
• germ
• herm
• sperm
• squirm
• term
• therm
• worm
• wurm
• affirm
• bookworm

Kids Definition

berm

noun

ˈbərm 

: a shelf or path at the top or bottom of a slope

also : a mound or wall of earth