noun
- deep, wide ditches filled with water that surround castles or fortified buildings as protection
Examples
- Medieval castles were often surrounded by moats to keep enemies away.
- The drawbridge could be raised to prevent crossing the moat.
- Water-filled moats made it difficult for attackers to reach the castle walls.
- Some moats were dry but still served as defensive barriers.
- The ancient fortress had two moats for extra protection.
- Fish sometimes lived in the castle’s moats.