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

Replete with impressive ancient architecture, the town includes royal palaces, temples, and moats. —Cat Sposato, AFAR Media, 18 Feb. 2025

Bespoke used Russell 1000 as its stock universe and came up with three criteria: positive price momentum, rising margins and having a moat, or a competitive edge that makes the business somewhat immune to competition. —Yun Li, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2024

Ants do fortify their mounds before rains; some even use twigs and dig moats. —Joan Morris, The Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2025

These features keep production costs low and stitch together a vast national market, linked to the wealthiest parts of Asia and Europe via ocean highways that also serve as protective moats. —Michael Beckley, Foreign Affairs, 7 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

Rhymes for moat

• bloat
• boat
• choate
• coat
• cote
• dote
• float
• gloat
• goat
• groat
• haute
• mote

Kids Definition

moat

noun

ˈmōt 

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