DictionarybankWater's edge
noun / verb

bank

A raised mass or edge of earth or other material.

Willows grow along the muddy bank of the river.

Etymology

Old Norse banki named a ridge or bank. The word retains the image of a raised edge or heap, including earth beside water and accumulated material such as snow.

More examples

  • A high bank of snow blocks the driveway.
  • They banked earth around the young plants.
  • We followed the bank until the path reached a bridge.

Forms

bank · banks · banked · banking

Similar words

shore
Names land beside water without necessarily forming a raised edge.
mound
Names a raised pile without requiring a long bordering shape.