Definition of bulwark
1a : a solid wall-like structure raised for defense : rampartb : breakwater, seawall building a bulwark in the harbor
2 : a strong support or protection democratic principles that stand as a bulwark against tyranny a bulwark of freedom
3 nautical : the side of a ship above the upper deck —usually used in plural
Explore M-W
Examples of bulwark in a Sentence
democratic principles that stand as a bulwark against tyranny
Origin and Etymology of bulwark
Middle English bulwerke, from Middle Dutch bolwerc, from bolle tree trunk + werc work
First Known Use: 15th century
bulwark
Definition of bulwark
transitive verb
: to fortify or safeguard with a bulwark ability to bulwark a moral choice — Margaret Mead
Examples of bulwark in a Sentence
vowed to use any means necessary to bulwark the country agai nst a terrorist attack
Origin and Etymology of bulwark
see 1bulwark
First Known Use: 15th century
BULWARK Defined for English Language Learners
bulwark
playDefinition of bulwark for English Language Learners
-
: something that provides protection for or against something
-
: a wall that is built for protection
-
: a wall that is part of a ship's sides and that is above the ship's upper deck
BULWARK Defined for Kids
bulwark
playDefinition of bulwark for Students
1 : a solid structure like a wall built for defense against an enemy
2 : something that defends or protects
Learn More about bulwark
-
See words that rhyme with bulwark Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for bulwark Spanish Central: Translation of bulwark Nglish: Translation of bulwark for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of bulwark for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up bulwark? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!