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.
The Bellaire Dam is an earth embankment dam and is classified as a high-hazard dam by the MDEQ, according to a 2018 inspection report. Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 14 Apr. 2026 Two women were riding near the summit of Initial Point when the vehicle rolled down a rocky embankment, Ada County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Lauren Montague told the Idaho Statesman in an email. Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 14 Apr. 2026 The pickup struck a utility pole on the embankment and rolled over. Paula Wethington, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2026 Francisco Zapata Nájera, 42, was working in a gold mine in the northern Mexican state of Sinaloa on March 25 when an embankment collapsed and a dam burst, leaving him stuck 985 feet below the surface, per the BBC, ABC and NBC. Adam England, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 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 24 Apr. 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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