First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1bulwark
noun bul·wark \ˈbu̇l-(ˌ)wərk, -ˌwȯrk; ˈbəl-(ˌ)wərk; sense 3 also ˈbə-ˌläk\
: something that provides protection for or against something
: a wall that is built for protection
: a wall that is part of a ship's sides and that is above the ship's upper deck
Full Definition of BULWARK
1
a : a solid wall-like structure raised for defense : rampart b : breakwater, seawall
2
: a strong support or protection
3
: the side of a ship above the upper deck —usually used in plural
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Origin of BULWARK
Middle English bulwerke, from Middle Dutch bolwerc, from bolle tree trunk + werc work
Rhymes with BULWARK
2bulwark
verb
Definition of BULWARK
transitive verb
: to fortify or safeguard with a bulwark
First Known Use of BULWARK
15th century
Related to BULWARK
BULWARK Defined for Kids
bulwark
noun bul·wark \ˈbu̇l-wərk\
Definition of BULWARK for Kids
1
: a solid structure like a wall built for defense against an enemy
2
: something that defends or protects
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