Word
drawbridge
Phoneticsdraw·bridge, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdɹɔˌbɹɪdʒ/
UK/dɹˈɔːbɹɪdʒ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a bridge that can be raised or lowered to let people cross or to block the way. You see it at old castles or over water where boats need to pass.
n. a movable bridge hinged at one end that can be raised to block passage or lowered to allow crossing. Typically associated with medieval fortifications and modern waterways where boat traffic requires clearance.
Examples
“The castle guards raise the drawbridge every night.”
“The tour guide waits until the boat passes before lowering the drawbridge for visitors to enter the fort.”
“At dusk the old drawbridge creaks down over the moat, its chains groaning as the village children race across to reach the castle grounds before closing time.”
Examples
simple
“The castle guards raise the drawbridge every night.”
contextual
“The tour guide waits until the boat passes before lowering the drawbridge for visitors to enter the fort.”
complex
“At dusk the old drawbridge creaks down over the moat, its chains groaning as the village children race across to reach the castle grounds before closing time.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “drawbridge” in context.
Verb
01. cross drawbridge
“We held our breath as we crossed the drawbridge over the moat.”
verb + noun
02. drawbridge creaks
“The old drawbridge creaks loudly as it starts to move.”
noun + verb
03. drawbridge falls
“The drawbridge falls with a crash, and cars can drive across.”
noun + verb
04. drawbridge rises
“The drawbridge rises slowly when a tall ship needs to pass.”
noun + verb
05. lower drawbridge
“They lower the drawbridge every morning to let visitors enter.”
verb + noun
Adjective
06. ancient drawbridge
“The ancient drawbridge still works after hundreds of years.”
adj + noun
07. heavy drawbridge
“The heavy drawbridge closed slowly with a loud groaning sound.”
adj + noun
08. medieval drawbridge
“The tourists stopped to photograph the medieval drawbridge at the castle entrance.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. castle with drawbridge
“They visited a castle with a drawbridge surrounded by water.”
noun + prep + noun
10. chains of drawbridge
“The massive chains of the drawbridge rattled in the wind.”
noun + prep + noun
11. cross the drawbridge
“Hold the handrail when you cross the drawbridge.”
12. lower the drawbridge
“Every morning they lower the drawbridge for visitors.”
Real-World Examples
“They barricaded the doors and installed a makeshift drawbridge through a ground-floor window over the dry moat that surrounded the building.” Etymology
From draw + bridge.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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