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Synonyms

embankment

American  
[em-bangk-muhnt] / ɛmˈbæŋk mənt /

noun

  • embankments
    plural
  1. a bank, mound, dike, or the like, raised to hold back water, carry a roadway, etc.

  2. the action of embanking.


embankment British  
/ ɪmˈbæŋkmənt /

noun

  1. a man-made ridge of earth or stone that carries a road or railway or confines a waterway See also levee 1

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms


Etymology

Origin of embankment

First recorded in 1780–90; embank + -ment


Vocabulary lists containing embankment

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

He was in the back seat of a Land Rover when it careened over an embankment and plunged down a hill.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 28, 2026

They were found Wednesday afternoon in an embankment near the 33000 block of South Grade Road in Pauma Valley, less than three miles from the entrance of the state park.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 14, 2026

As Mr Mullan attempted to regain control of the car, it skidded across the road, slid over the embankment and entered Lough Foyle.

From BBC ● Jul. 31, 2026

One side of the terraced row of houses on Llewellyn Street was demolished and replaced by the motorway, leaving the remaining side staring at either a huge concrete embankment or pillars propping up the M4.

From BBC ● Jul. 21, 2026

He stood at the edge of the embankment, looking at the broken bridge, and knew there was no way Dad’s car or any other vehicle would come to the island now.

From "Earthquake Terror" by Peg Kehret

However, significant damage has been caused to the highway, with mud, silt, debris and other obstructions continuing to block access, and also ongoing safety concerns relating to both the road and the surrounding embankments.

From BBC ● Jul. 31, 2026

"Due to the impact of persistent heavy rainfall and the prolonged passage of floodwaters at high levels, the safety of reservoirs and embankments in the affected areas faces a severe test," he added.

From Barron's ● Jul. 8, 2026

"Due to the impact of persistent heavy rainfall and the prolonged passage of floodwaters at high levels, the safety of reservoirs and embankments in the affected areas faces a severe test," he said.

From Barron's ● Jul. 7, 2026

"The problem is if you start digging out embankments, which kingfishers use as their main habitats, they will completely avoid this area", he said.

From BBC ● Oct. 16, 2025

They walked along the granite embankments of the Neva, past the magnificent Admiralty building and its proud white columns, its countless statues and friezes depicting figures from myths and ancient times.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

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