Embankment: meaning, definitions and examples

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embankment

[ɪmˈbæŋkmənt ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

along the river

A long artificial mound of earth or stone used to hold back water, for protection or as a foundation.

Synonyms

bank, dike, levee.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
embankment	Used for general structures built to hold back water or support roads and railways, often found in both urban and rural settings. The road was elevated on an embankment to prevent flooding The river embankment was reinforced to protect the town from rising waters
dike	Commonly used in regions with low elevation to describe barriers that prevent the sea or rivers from flooding the land; often found in coastal areas. Residents built a dike to keep the sea from inundating their homes The dike held strong during the heavy storm
levee	Primarily used in American English to describe an embankment built to prevent the overflow of a river, especially in areas prone to flooding. The levee broke during the hurricane, causing widespread flooding Engineers worked tirelessly to strengthen the levee along the Mississippi River
bank	Refers to the land alongside a river or lake; can also denote financial institutions in a different context. We had a picnic on the river bank The steep banks of the lake were covered in lush greenery

Examples of usage

The embankment along the river prevented flooding in the town.
She sat on the embankment, watching the boats go by.
The embankment was reinforced with concrete to withstand the heavy rainfall.
The train tracks ran parallel to the embankment.
The children played on the embankment, rolling down the grassy slope.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'embankment' comes from the Old French word 'enbanquer', which means 'to bank or enclose'.
It combines 'em', a prefix meaning 'to cause to be', and 'bank', referring to a side or slope.

Engineering

Embankments are crucial in civil engineering to manage water flow, preventing flood damage.
They can serve as foundations for roads and railways, creating a stable surface for transportation.
Made from materials like soil, rocks, or concrete, embankments can be designed to withstand natural forces like water and wind.

Environmental Protection

In many regions, embankments play a key role in flood defense and managing stormwater runoff.
They support ecosystems by creating wetlands which are important for wildlife and biodiversity.

Transportation

Many railways and roads are built on top of embankments to avoid flooding and to ensure a smooth journey.
Historical embankments were crucial for the expansion of networks, significantly impacting trade and travel.

Cultural Significance

In some cultures, embankments have become landmarks, often associated with local history and environmental management.
They are sometimes used as recreational areas for walking, cycling, or enjoying nature alongside waterways.

Translations

Translations of the word "embankment" in other languages:

🇵🇹 margem

🇮🇳 तटबंध

🇩🇪 Uferpromenade

🇮🇩 tepi sungai

🇺🇦 набережна

🇵🇱 nadbrzeże

🇯🇵 堤防 (ていぼう)

🇫🇷 quai

🇪🇸 malecón

🇹🇷 rıhtım

🇰🇷 제방

🇸🇦 جسر

🇨🇿 nábřeží

🇸🇰 nábrežie

🇨🇳 堤岸 (dī'àn)

🇸🇮 nabrežje

🇮🇸 áreyrar

🇰🇿 жаға

🇬🇪 ნაპირი

🇦🇿 sahil

🇲🇽 malecón

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,218, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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12215 exporter
12216 capsules
12217 uprising
12218 embankment
12219 philosophic
12220 assimilated
12221 meritorious
...