rampart

noun

ram·​part ˈram-ˌpärt 

-pərt

1

: a protective barrier : bulwark

2

: a broad embankment raised as a fortification and usually surmounted by a parapet

3

: a wall-like ridge (as of rock fragments, earth, or debris)

Examples of rampart in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

All three countries’ influences are reflected in its charming cobblestone streets, grand colonial buildings, churches and ancient ramparts. —Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024

Over the past six decades Lucca Comics & Games, which is held annually within the medieval ramparts of the Tuscan town of Lucca, has expanded exponentially to become the largest geek meet in Europe. —Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 25 Oct. 2024

The Chinese fence traces a furrow in the Himalayas, its barbed wire and concrete ramparts separating Tibet from Nepal. —New York Times, 11 Oct. 2024

Archaeologists discovered a Roman military camp outside of the city, surrounded by a ditch and rampart. —Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from ramparer to fortify, from re- + emparer to defend, from Old Occitan emparar, from Vulgar Latin *imparare, from Latin in- in- entry 2 + parare to prepare — more at pare

First Known Use

1536, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

rampart

noun

ram·​part ˈram-ˌpärt 

-pərt

: a broad bank or wall raised as a protective barrier

also : any barrier that provides protection