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Levee Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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levee

[หˆlษ›vi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

flood protection

A levee is a natural or artificial wall that is built along a river to prevent flooding of the surrounding land. Levees are typically made of earth or concrete and are designed to withstand the pressure of rising water levels.

Synonyms

barrier, dyke, embankment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
levee

Used mainly in the context of flood prevention, especially alongside rivers. It refers to an artificial wall or embankment built to prevent the overflow of a river.

  • The town constructed a levee along the river to protect against floods
  • The levee held strong during the heavy rains last season
embankment

Refers to a constructed bank of earth or stone built to carry a roadway or to hold back water. It is not limited to flood prevention and can also refer to railroad banks.

  • The railway embankment was damaged in the storm
  • Workers reinforced the embankment to ensure cars could safely cross
dyke

Commonly used in regions like the Netherlands to refer to long walls or embankments built to prevent sea water from flooding the land. It usually has historical and geographical significance.

  • The old dyke has protected the village from the sea for centuries
  • Engineers are continually upgrading the dykes to cope with rising sea levels
barrier

A general term that can be used in various contexts, not limited to flood prevention. It refers to anything that blocks or impedes movement, access, or progress.

  • The security team set up a barrier to control the crowd
  • Coral reefs act as a natural barrier against storms and big waves

Examples of usage

  • The levee held back the floodwaters and protected the town from being submerged.
  • Residents living behind the levee felt safe during the heavy rains.
Context #2 | Noun

social event

In some Southern states of the US, a levee is a formal reception or social gathering. It is often held to celebrate a special occasion or to honor someone.

Synonyms

gathering, party, reception.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
levee

Use when referring to a formal event, often a reception or social event held in someone's honor. It is historically used in royal or official contexts.

  • The president attended a levee at the prime ministerโ€™s residence.
  • The queen's levee was attended by dignitaries and officials.
reception

Best used for more formal events, often following a ceremony or official event, such as a wedding or official meeting.

  • After the wedding ceremony, the guests were invited to the reception.
  • There was a grand reception at the embassy for the new ambassador.
gathering

Best for informal or general situations where people come together. It can describe meetings ranging from casual get-togethers to more organized events.

  • We had a small family gathering to celebrate my grandmother's birthday.
  • The community held a gathering to discuss the new park project.
party

Ideal for describing social events that are intended to be fun and lively. It can range from casual to more formal celebrations.

  • We threw a big New Year's Eve party.
  • The kids enjoyed the birthday party with games and cake.

Examples of usage

  • The governor hosted a levee to commemorate the state's anniversary.
  • The levee was attended by prominent figures from the community.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Engineering

  • Levees are often made from soil, clay, or concrete and are designed to hold back water during heavy rains.
  • They can be several feet high and stretch for miles, protecting towns from floodwaters.
  • In some places, levees are part of a larger flood control system, including dams and pumps.

Geography

  • Levees can be found along many rivers and lakes worldwide, especially those prone to flooding.
  • Natural levees can form when sediment builds up over time during floods, raising the land near the river.

History

  • Ancient Egyptians built levees to protect their crops from the Nile Riverโ€™s annual flooding.
  • The term 'levee' comes from the French word 'lever,' meaning 'to raise,' which reflects their purpose.

Environment

  • While levees protect communities from floods, they can also disrupt natural water flow and ecosystems.
  • Levees may lead to increased flooding risk upriver due to water being held back.

Pop Culture

  • Levees gained significant attention during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, highlighting the importance of proper flood defenses.
  • Songs and literature often refer to levees as symbols of hope and resilience against nature's power.

Origin of 'levee'

The word 'levee' originates from the French word 'lever', meaning 'to raise'. It was first used in the 18th century in English to refer to the act of rising or getting up. Over time, the meaning evolved to include the raised embankment along a river and the social gathering held by prominent figures. The term has been commonly used in both contexts ever since.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,754, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.