drawbridge

noun

draw·​bridge ˈdrȯ-ˌbrij How to pronounce drawbridge (audio)
: a bridge made to be raised up, let down, or drawn aside so as to permit or hinder passage see castle illustration

Illustration of drawbridge

Illustration of drawbridge

Examples of drawbridge 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.
For them, local self-government has become a fortress, and the drawbridge is up. JSTOR Daily, 18 Oct. 2025 The Evil Queen, Cruella de Vil and other Disney Villains emerged on the castle drawbridge for a song as the grand introduction to a meet-and-greet photo opportunity during the after-hours event that eventually morphed into Oogie Boogie Bash. Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 17 Oct. 2025 Roan performs on a set that looks like a massive Gothic castle with a drawbridge, parapets and a throne. Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2025 The drawbridges were hauled up, and the king retreated. Catherine Nicholson, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for drawbridge

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of drawbridge was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Drawbridge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drawbridge. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

drawbridge

noun
draw·​bridge -ˌbrij How to pronounce drawbridge (audio)
: a bridge made to be wholly or partly raised up, let down, or drawn aside so as to permit or prevent passage

More from Merriam-Webster on drawbridge

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