drawbridge

noun

draw·​bridge ˈdrȯ-ˌbrij How to pronounce drawbridge (audio)
: a bridge made to be raised up, let down, or drawn aside so as to permit or hinder passage see castle illustration

Illustration of drawbridge

Illustration of drawbridge

Examples of drawbridge in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Florida Department of Transportation is also temporarily changing the drawbridge schedule on the Southwest First Street and West Flagler Street bridges across the Miami River. — Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026 My dad routinely turned off his car’s engine to save gas when stopped for an extended time at a railroad crossing or drawbridge. — Doug Newcomb, Washington Post, 5 Oct. 2026 The lobby centers on a 20-foot maple tree beneath a spiral staircase, with a mantle salvaged from the old North Hero drawbridge. — Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 12 Sep. 2026 There were turrets, and a drawbridge, but in the grand ballroom, there was no sign of a party. — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 7 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for drawbridge

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of drawbridge was in the 15th century

Rhymes for drawbridge

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Browse Nearby Words

drawboy
drawbridge
drawcard
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Cite this Entry

“Drawbridge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drawbridge. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

drawbridge

noun
draw·​bridge -ˌbrij How to pronounce drawbridge (audio)
: a bridge made to be wholly or partly raised up, let down, or drawn aside so as to permit or prevent passage
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