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

Sitting high above the Chora, and visible from nearly every vantage point on the island, the monastery is accessible through a labyrinth of stone pathways leading to the gate that opens to the courtyard revealing stone archways, towers, and ramparts reflective of the Byzantine architectural style. —Monica Mendal, Vogue, 17 Sep. 2024

As a 2021 digital reconstruction shows, the fort was composed of massive defensive ramparts surrounding houses and other structures. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Sep. 2024

Photo : Marc Angeles A rear view of the main home, which rests atop stone ramparts. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 10 Sep. 2024

As far back as the third century, the military commander Zhuge Liang turned back an enemy army by opening the city gates and sunning himself on the ramparts; this looked like a trap and frightened away the opposing general. —Andrew J. Nathan, Foreign Affairs, 17 June 2011

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

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