Illustration of moat
- moat 1
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.
Examples of moat in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Taxpayer money had been used for personal mortgage payments and home upgrades like a moat.
—
Michael M. Grynbaum, New York Times, 4 June 2024
It’s surrounded by an empty moat and is located on a bluff overlooking the harbor and cruise port.
—Amy Bentley, Orange County Register, 29 May 2024
The people who used the castle would have needed a way to cross the moat, and now the base for a drawbridge has been discovered, according to the release.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 24 May 2024
Surrounded by a deep moat, the 13th-century castle promises total seclusion with all the trimmings including a swimming pool, a tennis court, and a spa and fitness center.
—Chrissie McClatchie, Robb Report, 3 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for moat 
Michael M. Grynbaum, New York Times, 4 June 2024
It’s surrounded by an empty moat and is located on a bluff overlooking the harbor and cruise port.
—Amy Bentley, Orange County Register, 29 May 2024
The people who used the castle would have needed a way to cross the moat, and now the base for a drawbridge has been discovered, according to the release.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 24 May 2024
Surrounded by a deep moat, the 13th-century castle promises total seclusion with all the trimmings including a swimming pool, a tennis court, and a spa and fitness center.
—Chrissie McClatchie, Robb Report, 3 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for moat
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'moat.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Articles Related to moat
Dictionary Entries Near moat
Cite this Entry
“Moat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moat. Accessed 8 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
moat
noun
: a deep wide trench around the walls of a castle or fortress that is usually filled with water
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share