Embankment

/ɪmˈbæŋkmənt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A raised structure, typically made of earth or stone, built to hold back water or support a roadway.

The construction workers built an embankment to prevent flooding along the riverbank.

A bank or mound of earth used to support a roadway or railway.

The train sped smoothly across the embankment that had been reinforced after the heavy rains.

An embankment can also refer to a level area formed by a raised bank.

The park was built on a series of embankments that created a scenic overlook of the valley.

A barrier built to hold back or direct water, often seen alongside rivers or lakes.

The embankment along the lake helped prevent erosion during storms.

Middle French 'embanquement', from 'en' (in) + 'banque' (bank)

river embankment

A specific type of embankment designed to hold back river water.

road embankment

An embankment supporting a road to provide stability and elevation.

bank

A steep slope or a rising ground, typically along a river.

levee

An embankment built to prevent the overflow of a river.

mound

A raised area of earth, often used for support.

A reference to a large, raised area that can be climbed for fun.

We call that big embankment at the park 'the hill of fun'!

Used informally to refer to a gathering area by a riverbank.

Let’s meet at the embankment for a good time by the water.