revetment: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Formal
Quick answer
What does “revetment” mean?
A facing or retaining wall built to support or protect a structure (e.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A facing or retaining wall built to support or protect a structure (e.g., an embankment or fortification).
In geology, a natural or artificial slope protection against erosion; in aviation, a protective wall around aircraft parking areas.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is identical. 'Reverment' is a common historical misspelling in both varieties.
Connotations
Both dialects strongly associate it with military and civil engineering contexts. No significant difference in connotation.
Frequency
Equally rare and technical in both dialects. Slightly more common in military/academic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “revetment” in a Sentence
[revetment] of [material] (revetment of stone)[revetment] along [location] (revetment along the coast)[revetment] to protect/strengthen [object]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “revetment” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They will revet the embankment with granite blocks to prevent further erosion.
- The canal banks were revetted using local limestone.
American English
- The Army Corps of Engineers will revet the levee with concrete mats.
- The slope was revetted with geotextile and rock gabions.
adverb
British English
- [No adverbial form.]
American English
- [No adverbial form.]
adjective
British English
- [No standard adjectival form. 'Revetting' is used as a modifier, e.g., 'revetting works', 'revetting material'.]
American English
- [No standard adjectival form.]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
[Not used]
Academic
Used in civil engineering, geology, and military history papers to describe structures preventing slope failure or erosion.
Everyday
[Virtually never used]
Technical
Core term in civil engineering for slope protection, coastal defense, and fortification design.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “revetment”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “revetment”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “revetment”
- Misspelling as 'reverment' or 'revettment'.
- Using it for any wall instead of a specifically supporting/facing one.
- Pronouncing it as /ˈriːvtmənt/ (incorrect stress).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialised technical term used primarily in civil engineering, geology, and military contexts.
A revetment is a type of retaining wall specifically designed to face or protect an earthen slope from scour or collapse. All revetments are retaining structures, but not all retaining walls are revetments (e.g., a basement wall).
The standard pronunciation is /rɪˈvɛtmənt/ (ri-VET-mənt), with the primary stress on the second syllable.
Yes, the verb is 'to revet' (past tense: 'revetted'). It means 'to face or protect with a revetment'.
A facing or retaining wall built to support or protect a structure (e.
Revetment is usually technical / formal in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No idioms directly use 'revetment']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'REVET the eMENT' — you REVET (face/protect) an embankMENT.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROTECTION IS A SKIN/SHELL (The revetment is the 'skin' that holds the earth together).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a revetment?