embankment
n. countable B2 Upper Intermediate US //ɛmˈbæŋkmənt// UK //ɛmbˈæŋkmənt// em·bank·ment
n. a thick wall of earth or stone built to hold back water or to carry a road or railway over low ground.
n. a raised structure of earth, gravel, or stone, typically constructed to prevent flooding or to support a transport route across a depression.
The river overflowed and damaged the grassy embankment.
Engineers built a high embankment to protect the coastal town from rising sea levels during storms.
The railway line runs along a steep embankment, providing passengers with an elevated view of the surrounding wetlands while ensuring the tracks remain dry during the monsoon season.
From embank + -ment.
Usage
Often used with the definite article when referring to a specific riverside walkway, such as the Thames Embankment.