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

Shoemaker swerved right off the 210 and rolled his Ford Bronco down the embankment, about three stories high, and onto the 57 freeway. —Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026

In the wake of the 2007 settlement, tents began to appear on the sidewalks, freeway embankments, overpasses, underpasses, civic plazas and public spaces everywhere in Los Angeles. —Susan Shelley, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026

The East River Residence, which is suspended on thin columns, stretches across the valley like a bridge between two embankments, letting the terrain flow underneath it like water. —New Atlas, 23 Apr. 2026

The east side of the dam's soil embankment was overwhelmed and became unstable. —ABC News, 23 Apr. 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