battlement: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Literary, Historical, Architectural
Quick answer
What does “battlement” mean?
A parapet with open spaces or indentations (embrasures) at regular intervals, originally for shooting through, at the top of a defensive wall or tower.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A parapet with open spaces or indentations (embrasures) at regular intervals, originally for shooting through, at the top of a defensive wall or tower.
Any wall or structure resembling such a parapet, often used for decorative architectural effect to evoke a medieval or fortified appearance. Can also refer to the collective fortifications of a castle.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally uncommon in general speech in both varieties.
Connotations
Evokes medieval history, castles, and warfare equally in both dialects.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in British English due to greater prevalence of preserved castles and historical discourse, but remains a low-frequency, specialised term.
Grammar
How to Use “battlement” in a Sentence
The [noun: castle] has [adjective: impressive] battlements.They stood on the battlements [prepositional phrase: of the old keep].The architect designed a roof with decorative battlements.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “battlement” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The old manor house was battlemented in the Victorian Gothic style.
American English
- The architect proposed to battlement the museum's roofline to give it a medieval flair.
adverb
British English
- The wall rose battlementedly against the grey sky. (Extremely rare, poetic)
American English
- The structure was designed battlementedly to match the older buildings. (Extremely rare, poetic)
adjective
British English
- The battlemented skyline of Warwick Castle is iconic.
American English
- They admired the battlemented parapet of the historic fort.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, architectural, and literary studies to describe specific defensive structures.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might appear in tourism contexts (e.g., guidebooks) or historical fiction.
Technical
Used in architecture (historical styles) and archaeology to describe a crenellated parapet.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “battlement”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “battlement”
- Using 'battlement' to refer to the entire castle or fortress wall (it is specifically the top, indented section).
- Confusing 'battlement' with 'turret' or 'tower'.
- Misspelling as 'battlements' when referring to a singular feature (though often used in plural).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A rampart is the broad, defensive embankment or wall itself, often with a walkway. A battlement is the specific notched parapet built on top of the rampart or wall.
No, it is a low-frequency, specialised term found mainly in historical, architectural, or literary contexts, and in tourism.
The solid parts (merlons) provided cover for defenders, while the gaps (crenels or embrasures) allowed them to shoot arrows or other projectiles.
Yes, but it is very rare. The verb 'to battlement' or the adjective 'battlemented' means to furnish with or having battlements, often for decorative effect.
A parapet with open spaces or indentations (embrasures) at regular intervals, originally for shooting through, at the top of a defensive wall or tower.
Battlement is usually literary, historical, architectural in register.
Battlement: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbætlmənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbætəlmənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Rare] 'A woman's battlements': (historical/archaic) referring to a woman's chastity or moral defences.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BATTLE happening on the MENT (as in 'meant') wall. A 'battlement' is the part of a castle wall meant for battle.
Conceptual Metaphor
BATTLEMENTS ARE TEETH OF THE FORTRESS; BATTLEMENTS ARE A CROWN (on top of a structure); DEFENCE IS A WALL.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary defining feature of a battlement?