moat

noun

ˈmōt 

1

: a deep and wide trench around the rampart of a fortified place (such as a castle) that is usually filled with water

The moat can be crossed by a drawbridge.

2

: a channel resembling a moat (as about a seamount or for confinement of animals in a zoo)

A Bengal tiger stared at me from across the moat.

moated

ˈmō-təd 

adjective

moatlike

ˈmōt-ˌlīk 

adjective

Illustration of moat

• moat 1

Examples of moat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Smart founders use full coffers to build deep moats, ideally around monopolies, so that eventual product-market-fit is matched with defensibility. —Ruth Foxe Blader, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025

Perhaps more importantly, each of these businesses possesses a wide economic moat. —Michael K. Farr, CNBC, 31 Dec. 2024

Travel back in time at the Imperial Palace Surrounded by a cinematic moat and towering stone walls, Tokyo’s Imperial Palace is a sight to behold. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 28 Dec. 2024

However, for the foreseeable future of the next three or so years, a net loss appears inevitable as the company continues to scale and manage its technological leadership and further define its moat. —Gurufocus, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English mote, from Anglo-French mote, motte mound, moat

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

moat

noun

ˈmōt 

: a deep wide trench around the walls of a castle or fortress that is usually filled with water