embankment

noun

em·​bank·​ment im-ˈbaŋk-mənt How to pronounce embankment (audio)
Synonyms of embankmentnext
1
: a raised structure (as of earth or gravel) used especially to hold back water or to carry a roadway
2
: the action of embanking

Synonyms of embankment

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Examples of embankment in a Sentence

the embankment is steep, so be careful walking along the ridge
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The trains involved were operated by AVE and Iryo, according to local media, with at least two carriages said to have fallen down an embankment after the crash. — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 28 Oct. 2026 The cause of the crash, which sent parts of both trains down a rural embankment, was not immediately clear. — José Bautista Carlos Barragán José Bautista James McManagan, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026 As part of the preliminary investigation of Wednesday's crash, authorities said the Renfe train probably struck the Iryo train from behind, causing two coaches to derail and plummet down an embankment. — ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026 The Silverado then veered off the roadway, traveled up an embankment and overturned, coming to rest on its roof in the third lane. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 25 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for embankment

Word History

First Known Use

1786, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of embankment was in 1786

Browse Nearby Words

embank
embankment
embar
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Cite this Entry

“Embankment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embankment. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

embankment

noun
em·​bank·​ment im-ˈbaŋk-mənt How to pronounce embankment (audio)
: a raised bank or wall to carry a roadway, prevent floods, or hold back water
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