rampart

noun

ram·​part ˈram-ˌpärt 

-pərt

1

: a protective barrier : bulwark

2

: a broad embankment raised as a fortification and usually surmounted by a parapet

3

: a wall-like ridge (as of rock fragments, earth, or debris)

Examples of rampart in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Its deep, sheltered bay drew merchants and sailors from Europe and North Africa, fostering an exchange of cultures that is reflected in the city’s soaring Gothic spires, Moorish patios, and Renaissance-era ramparts. —Siobhan Reid, Travel + Leisure, 14 Sep. 2025

The ramparts offer commanding views of Caen’s skyline, while the grounds contain medieval edifices, a 1902 statue by Auguste Rodin and Caen’s main art museum, the Musée des Beaux-Arts (open at 11 a.m.). —Seth Sherwood, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025

Dubrovnik’s ancient ramparts guard marble lanes that shimmer under Adriatic light—echoing with church bells and café laughter. —Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025

Viral footage of an interaction between the couple surfaced on Friday night, when Clark approach McCaffery in the ramparts of Gainbridge Field House. —Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from ramparer to fortify, from re- + emparer to defend, from Old Occitan emparar, from Vulgar Latin *imparare, from Latin in- in- entry 2 + parare to prepare — more at pare

First Known Use

1536, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rampart

• apart
• depart
• flowchart
• forepart
• impart
• pushcart
• redstart
• restart
• subpart
• sweetheart
• upstart
• art

Kids Definition

rampart

noun

ram·​part ˈram-ˌpärt 

-pərt

: a broad bank or wall raised as a protective barrier

also : any barrier that provides protection