as in ditch
a deep, wide excavation that is usually filled with water and that goes around the walls of a place (such as a castle) to protect it from being attacked
Related Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of moat
My usual route out was through Sleeping Beauty’s castle, over the moat via a working drawbridge.
—
Steve Martin,
The Atlantic,
11 June 2026
The moat will need to be refilled frequently and kept clean.
—
Peg Aloi,
The Spruce,
4 June 2026
In Latin America stadiums have been constructed with anti-hooligan architecture such as high fencing and moats.
—
Gitanjali Roy,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
1 June 2026
The feeding ports keep out buzzing bees, while the ant moat hanger will keep away pesky ants, so the nectar is saved just for the hummingbirds.
—
Brittany Vanderbill,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for moat
Steve Martin,
The Atlantic,
11 June 2026
The moat will need to be refilled frequently and kept clean.
—
Peg Aloi,
The Spruce,
4 June 2026
In Latin America stadiums have been constructed with anti-hooligan architecture such as high fencing and moats.
—
Gitanjali Roy,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
1 June 2026
The feeding ports keep out buzzing bees, while the ant moat hanger will keep away pesky ants, so the nectar is saved just for the hummingbirds.
—
Brittany Vanderbill,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for moat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for moat
Noun
-
According to authorities, Maddie steered the off-road vehicle to avoid a drainage ditch before the ATV plunged into the water.
-
Workers repairing a ha-ha, a ditch traditionally used to contain livestock without interrupting the view across an estate, uncovered a tunnel entrance, along with Tudor-era artifacts including pottery, bones, and glass bottles.
Noun
-
This poppy red trench is the kind of summer statement piece that’s worth the investment, especially with this discount.
-
West Metro Fire Rescue/Facebook That department's crews found the man stuck in a narrow hole and lying in mud and water at the bottom of the 15-foot deep trench, the department stated in a social media post.
Noun
-
More than 1 billion gallons of ash spilled into waterways and neighboring properties after a dike ruptured.
-
This is absolutely elite stuff all around, a whirlwind of the Knicks finding the net opening and making the right play, and the Spurs scrambling like mad to plug each new hole in the dike before finally Wembanyama seals it with a block at the rim.
Noun
-
The funding will also help pay for the replacement of a large drainage culvert near Sierra College Boulevard on English Colony Way at Clover Valley Creek, along with the construction of a new bridge and roadway improvements on Garden Bar Road at Doty Ravine.
-
In Belgium, culvert removals in the Anlier forest are reconnecting smaller tributaries that play an important role in local biodiversity.
Noun
-
Workers repairing a ha-ha, a ditch traditionally used to contain livestock without interrupting the view across an estate, uncovered a tunnel entrance, along with Tudor-era artifacts including pottery, bones, and glass bottles.
-
Great roles and performances, but, ha-ha, Phoenix earned his first Academy Award for Joker in 2020.
Noun
-
When camping in an open environment, select a campsite in a valley, ravine, or low region.
-
If no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas.
Noun
-
Empty standing water at least once a week (birdbaths, pet bowls, plant saucers), fix dripping faucets and keep gutters clear.
-
If a downspout on your gutters is dumping into a low area and leaving a puddle, redirect the spout to a spot where water will run off.
Cite this Entry
“Moat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/moat. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
