drawbridge

[ draw-brij ]

noun

1. a bridge of which the whole or a section may be drawn up, let down, or drawn aside, to prevent access or to leave a passage open for boats, barges, etc.

drawbridge

/ ˈdrɔːˌbrɪdʒ /

noun

1. a bridge that may be raised to prevent access or to enable vessels to pass

Word History and Origins

Origin of drawbridge¹

First recorded in 1300–50, drawbridge is from the Middle English word drawebrigge. See draw, bridge ¹

Example Sentences

The ants walked down a Lego drawbridge onto a testing platform -- an A4 sheet of paper overlaying an acrylic surface -- on which the researchers had placed a drop of sucrose solution laced with 0, 25 ppm, 250 ppm, or 2,000 ppm of caffeine.

From Science Daily

Jack wondered if the dragon’s lower jaw might actually be a drawbridge; it certainly was in the right place.

From Literature

The island’s overhang would most likely make it impossible, but for some reason, Jack didn’t see Malevolent lowering the drawbridge for them.

From Literature

Like many of the other castles on the list, it has secret passages, a drawbridge and moat, a chapel and a torture chamber — but this Napa Valley castle offers wine tastings as well as tours.

From Seattle Times

Drivers going both ways crammed into its twin four-lane drawbridge until a 150-foot-high concrete bridge opened in phases during 1983 and 1984.

From Seattle Times