embankment

noun

em·​bank·​ment im-ˈbaŋk-mənt 

1

: a raised structure (as of earth or gravel) used especially to hold back water or to carry a roadway

2

: the action of embanking

Synonyms of embankment

• levee
• dam

Examples of embankment in a Sentence

the embankment is steep, so be careful walking along the ridge

Recent Examples on the Web

How levees work Levees are earthen embankments positioned parallel to a river that effectively raise the height of the banks of the river to prevent overflow when the river swells. — Kaleigh Yost, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2026

As the road curved, Garcia went down an embankment and hit a tree at 101 mph, according to the district attorney's office. — Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026

Ewa Mroczkowska’s production design also turns dewy embankments, decadent interiors, and sunrises over cemeteries into visions of storybook-like decay. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026

Video shows teams of workers yanking ropes to ferry locals who were stranded on an embankment flanked by a flooded river. — Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1786, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

embankment

noun

em·​bank·​ment im-ˈbaŋk-mənt 

: a raised bank or wall to carry a roadway, prevent floods, or hold back water