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

• dam
• dike
• head
• levee

Examples of embankment in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Heading further into the thing could have toppled our vehicle and sent us rolling down the embankment. —Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025

Footage showed the mangled wreckage on an embankment on the side of the highway. —Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2025

Beltram’s truck hit their car, sending it down an embankment, crushing the passenger side compartment of the car, according to the District Attorney’s Office. —Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 3 Apr. 2025

An initial investigation revealed that the vehicle allegedly struck a metal beam guardrail, hit a directional sign in the shoulder then went off the roadway and down an embankment, according to state police. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 25 Mar. 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