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.
So in this new world, if LLMs are the commodity, where is the moat? — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Steven Tian and Stephen Henriques, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026 The tools cost next to nothing, yet the moat belongs to whoever starts compiling first. — Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 Who survives Over 50 years ago, Charlie Munger convinced his best friend, Warren Buffett, to ditch the proverbial cheap cigar butts for buying durable, high-quality businesses, centered around their economic moat. — Sanjot Malhi, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026 Ant moats are the most effective way of keeping ants out of the feeder if the ants don’t have an alternate route. — Joan Morris, Mercury News, 17 Aug. 2026 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

See All Rhymes for moat

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 1 Sep. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about moat

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