battlement

noun

bat·​tle·​ment ˈba-tᵊl-mənt How to pronounce battlement (audio)
Synonyms of battlementnext
: a parapet with open spaces that surmounts a wall and is used for defense or decoration
battlemented
ˈba-tᵊl-ˌmen-təd How to pronounce battlement (audio)
adjective

Illustration of battlement

Illustration of battlement
  • 1 crenellations
  • 2 merlons
  • 3 machicolations

Examples of battlement in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Daemon brings troops and his dragon Caraxes, but holds out on laying siege for as long as possible, especially as Ormund has stationed children on the battlements and in front of the gates to the city. — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026 The battlements and beachscapes fill not just the eye but the mind. — Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor, 16 July 2026 The flag flies high over the ancient battlements here, where more than 200 years of history send a proud chill. — Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 1 June 2026 Athenry Castle Overlooking the Clarinbridge River in County Galway, 13th-century Athenry Castle still retains parts of its medieval walls, battlements, and decorative stone carvings. — Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for battlement

Word History

Etymology

Middle English batelment, from Anglo-French *bataillement, from batailler to fortify with battlements — more at battle

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of battlement was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

battle line
battlement
battlemented
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Battlement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/battlement. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

battlement

noun
bat·​tle·​ment ˈbat-ᵊl-mənt How to pronounce battlement (audio)
: a low wall (as at the top of a castle or a tower) with open spaces to shoot through
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