moat

noun

ˈmōt How to pronounce moat (audio)
Synonyms of moatnext
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 How to pronounce moat (audio)
adjective
moatlike
ˈmōt-ˌlīk How to pronounce moat (audio)
adjective

Illustration of moat

Illustration of moat
  • moat 1

Examples of moat 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.
Ongoing efforts are afoot to create moats or enact barriers to prevent their competitors from copying their distinct accomplishments. — Lance Eliot, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 Beyond simply being remote, the continent has been isolated for millions of years by the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, which surrounds it like a moat around a castle. — Ashley Balzer Vigil, Scientific American, 21 Mar. 2025 Holding a significant market share (over 36%) in the US dialysis market, the company has a moat. — Gurufocus, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 In the plundering of the castle, the abatises were tossed into the moat. — Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for moat

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of moat was in the 15th century

Rhymes for moat

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Browse Nearby Words

Moarian
moat
Moazagotl cloud
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Moat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moat. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

moat

noun
ˈmōt How to pronounce moat (audio)
: a deep wide trench around the walls of a castle or fortress that is usually filled with water

More from Merriam-Webster on moat

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for moat

Nglish: Translation of moat for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about moat

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