embankment

noun

em·​bank·​ment im-ˈbaŋk-mənt How to pronounce embankment (audio)
Synonyms of embankmentnext
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

Examples of embankment in a Sentence

the embankment is steep, so be careful walking along the ridge
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.
Some cars were being directed over a small dirt embankment to an offramp by CHP officers. Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026 After the impact, the sprinter van ended up down an embankment. City News Service, Daily News, 30 Jan. 2026 After weeks of investigation, authorities have arrested the estranged husband of a Newport Beach woman whose body was found down a steep embankment in a San Bernardino County mountain town in California. Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 28 Jan. 2026 The man the woman was with exited the pond on his own, but firefighters used ropes and ladders to pull him up to the street as the embankment was steep and icy. Timia Cobb breaking News Reporter, Dallas Morning News, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for embankment

Word History

First Known Use

1786, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of embankment was in 1786

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Embankment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embankment. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

embankment

noun
em·​bank·​ment im-ˈbaŋk-mənt How to pronounce embankment (audio)
: a raised bank or wall to carry a roadway, prevent floods, or hold back water

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