NYT Dictionary

EMBANKMENT

/ɪmˈbeɪ̯ŋkmənt/
Nounem-BANK-mentem-bank-ment · 3 syllablesGrade 7

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2021, 2023, 2025, 2026

Meaning

A long mound of earth, stone, or similar material, usually built for purposes such as to hold back or store water, for protection from weather or enemies, or to support a road or railway.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₁én Proto-Italic *en Proto-Italic *en- Latin in- Old French en-bor. Middle English en- English en- English bank English embank Proto-Indo-European *-mn̥ Proto-Indo-European *-mn̥tom Proto-Italic *-mentom Latin -mentum Old French -mentbor. Middle English -ment English -ment English embankment From embank + -ment.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

anchorageanthillbackstopbankbarbarragebarrierbasinbeachbeam

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 3 recorded puzzles, including a pangram:

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