What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
floodwall
Example
The city built a floodwall along the river to prevent damage from future floods. [floodwall: noun]
Example
The floodwall held back the rising water and prevented it from entering the town. [floodwall: noun]
levee
Example
The town built a levee to protect against flooding from the nearby river. [levee: noun]
Example
The river overflowed its banks and breached the levee, causing widespread damage. [levee: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Levee is more commonly used than floodwall in everyday language, especially in areas prone to flooding. Levee is also more versatile and can refer to both natural and man-made structures, while floodwall specifically refers to man-made barriers.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between floodwall and levee?
Both floodwall and levee are formal terms used in technical and engineering contexts. However, floodwall may be considered slightly more formal due to its specific use in engineering and construction jargon.
