moat

noun

ˈmōt 

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 

adjective

moatlike

ˈmōt-ˌlīk 

adjective

Illustration of moat

• moat 1

Examples of moat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The jelly dishes are removable, and the feeder includes an ant moat as well as bee guards to keep insects away. —Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Apr. 2026

The moat is about the residents and the businesses in Dubai who, despite all the challenges, keep going. —Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 24 Apr. 2026

These include companies with a competitive moat, have strong branding and proprietary data, and are deeply entrenched within their industries. —Sarah Min, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2026

Swim or snorkel around the moat to spot marine life, such as nurse sharks, hogfish or reef squid. —Lauren David, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2026

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

Rhymes for moat

• bloat
• boat
• choate
• coat
• cote
• dote
• float
• gloat
• goat
• groat
• haute
• mote

Kids Definition

moat

noun

ˈmōt 

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