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

Hikers found the woman's body about a month later, down an embankment just off a mountain road. —Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 1 Apr. 2026

Her body was discovered by hikers in an embankment near American Fork Canyon road just days later. —Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 1 Apr. 2026

Investigators say the vehicle left the roadway onto the right shoulder, struck an embankment, became airborne, and overturned multiple times. —Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026

Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado Unit officials said the rescue was complex, after the hiker traveled about a mile into a canyon along the river’s south fork before falling down a steep, rocky embankment late Sunday afternoon. —Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 31 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