moat

noun

ˈmōt 

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

ˈmō-təd 

adjective

moatlike

ˈmōt-ˌlīk 

adjective

Illustration of moat

• moat 1

Examples of moat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The ability for anyone to generate strategy, code, or creative work in seconds effectively filled in the moats built on blitzscaling overnight. — Matt Alt, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026

That, and the potential safety risk of trapping people inside a home surrounded by a moat of water. — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026

And Apple has built a significant moat in the form of loyal customers across the world. — Andrew R. Chow, Time, 15 Oct. 2026

The analysts said the data analytics company, with deep ties to the government, has built a strong moat. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026

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

Rhymes for moat

• bloat
• boat
• choate
• coat
• cote
• dote
• float
• gloat
• goat
• groat
• haute
• mote

Kids Definition

moat

noun

ˈmōt 

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