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

In San Diego County, a large part of the weekend’s work will be the relocation of train signals and the construction of an embankment and a retaining wall as part of the San Diego Association of Governments’ ongoing Batiquitos Lagoon double-track project in Carlsbad. —Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2026

Breakfast patios overlook rafters drifting by; anglers cast from stone embankments; kayakers practice freestyle moves at the whitewater park in the middle of it all. —Ted Alvarez, Outside, 4 Mar. 2026

The car crossed into the eastbound lane, hit a guardrail, struck an electrical line and caught on fire after landing on its wheels at the bottom of an embankment, police said. —David Ubben, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2026

The car struck an electrical line pole and rolled down an embankment. —Cbs Miami Team, CBS News, 2 Mar. 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