moat

noun

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 adjective
moatlike 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.
Sure enough, the scans and photos showed traces of ancient Roman walls, a moat and several entrances. Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 28 May 2025 Put simply: Every interaction is more data that can be added to the moat. Barry Libert, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025 Choose a feeder with an ant moat cup that hangs above the nectar container. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 18 May 2025 The only economic moat leading AI labs possess is virtually unlimited access to capital, according to Benedict Evans. Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 7 May 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Moat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moat. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

moat

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

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