earthwork

noun

earth·​work ˈərth-ˌwərk How to pronounce earthwork (audio)
1
: an embankment or other construction made of earth
especially : one used as a field fortification
2
: the operations connected with excavations and embankments of earth
3
: a work of art consisting of a portion of land modified by an artist

Examples of earthwork in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This is a type of explosive which produces little shrapnel but a powerful which ‘flows’ around corners in defensive earthworks; the U.S. developed a special AGM-114 Cave buster variant of the Hellfire for attacking Taliban tunnel complexes in Afghanistan. David Hambling, Forbes, 11 Sep. 2024 On September 28 and 29 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM free with a reserved, timed ticket, Lita Albuquerque recreates her Malibu Line temporary blue pigment earthwork. Chadd Scott, Forbes, 11 Sep. 2024 Artillery and machine guns made infantry in the open vulnerable in WW1, and earthworks were needed for survival. David Hambling, Forbes, 11 Sep. 2024 The jetty is a 1,500-foot earthwork coil of basalt rock and mud that sprawls into the mirror-like expanse of the Great Salt Lake. Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for earthwork 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'earthwork.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of earthwork was in 1633

Dictionary Entries Near earthwork

Cite this Entry

“Earthwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earthwork. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

earthwork

noun
earth·​work -ˌwərk How to pronounce earthwork (audio)
: something (as a raised bank or wall) constructed out of earth especially for protection

More from Merriam-Webster on earthwork

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