moat

noun

1
: a deep and wide trench around the rampart of a fortified place (such as a castle) that is usually filled with water
The moat can be crossed by a drawbridge.
2
: a channel resembling a moat (as about a seamount or for confinement of animals in a zoo)
A Bengal tiger stared at me from across the moat.
moated adjective
moatlike adjective

Illustration of moat

Illustration of moat
  • moat 1

Examples of moat in a Sentence

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.
China has a strategic focus on becoming self-sufficient in semiconductor production, but ASML has built an insurmountable moat in this space. Gurufocus, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 In the domestic market, they are caught in a red ocean of homogenized competition, hoping to use brands and IPs as a moat to find a way out. Li Jun, WWD, 1 Oct. 2024 Finally, the water in the moat may have been used to elevate stones. Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Aug. 2024 Plus, Nvidia is wisely building out its software ecosystem to widen its competitive moat. Kevin Stankiewicz,morgan Chittum, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for moat 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English mote, from Anglo-French mote, motte mound, moat

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of moat was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near moat

Cite this Entry

“Moat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moat. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

moat

noun
: a deep wide trench around the walls of a castle or fortress that is usually filled with water

More from Merriam-Webster on moat

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