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

The impact caused him to be ejected and land down an embankment. —Harry Harris, Mercury News, 13 Jan. 2026

The Hyundai then left the road, traveled up an embankment and struck a large rock, police said. —Kendrick Calfee updated January 10, Kansas City Star, 10 Jan. 2026

After locating handgun ammunition in the SUV, Burbank PD used a helicopter and police dog named Spike to locate Alas along a steep embankment along the freeway. —Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026

Decades ago, farmers built simple earthen embankments to protect their fields and livestock from seasonal flooding. —Farshid Vahedifard, The Conversation, 29 Dec. 2025

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