pal·i·sade
ˌpa-lə-ˈsād 
1
a
: a fence of stakes especially for defense
b
: a long strong stake pointed at the top and set close with others as a defense
2
: a line of bold cliffs
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Palisade comes from Latin palus, meaning "stake." The word originally applied to one of a series of stakes set in a row to form an enclosure or fortification. In time, its meaning was extended to a fence of stakes and, by association, to stretches of steep cliffs bordering a river.
Examples of palisade in a Sentence
Noun
the palisades that line the west bank of the Hudson River for about 15 miles
Recent Examples on the Web
Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 June 2025
But what are the other buildings impacted by palisades fires?
—Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 13 Jan. 2025
The other, though crucial, faces steep palisades and deep waters, requiring more time and resources.
—Kathleen Kewley, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024
Recent additions to the grounds include The Ralston Family Collections Center, a Mission Gate and Lunette, and replicas of an 18-pounder cannon and a palisade, all part of the $550 million Alamo Plan.
—Madalyn Mendoza, Axios, 30 Sep. 2024
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Noun
The palisade walls and structural support beams that hold up the fort are made to look like wood but are constructed of concrete.
—Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 June 2025
But what are the other buildings impacted by palisades fires?
—Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 13 Jan. 2025
The other, though crucial, faces steep palisades and deep waters, requiring more time and resources.
—Kathleen Kewley, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024
Recent additions to the grounds include The Ralston Family Collections Center, a Mission Gate and Lunette, and replicas of an 18-pounder cannon and a palisade, all part of the $550 million Alamo Plan.
—Madalyn Mendoza, Axios, 30 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for palisade
Cite this Entry
“Palisade.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/palisade. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
palisade
1 of 2 noun
pal·i·sade
ˌpal-ə-ˈsād
1
a
: a stout high fence of stakes especially for defense
b
: a long strong pointed stake set close with others as a defense
2
: a line of steep cliffs
palisade
2 of 2 verb
palisaded; palisading
: to surround or protect with palisades
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