What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
levee
Example
The levee protected the town from the floodwaters. [levee: noun]
Example
We went for a walk on the levee and enjoyed the view of the river. [levee: noun]
Example
The king held a levee to receive his guests. [levee: noun]
dike
Example
The farmers built a dike to keep their fields from flooding. [dike: noun]
Example
The city built a dike to protect the coastal area from storm surges. [dike: noun]
Example
She came out as a dike to her friends and family. [dike: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Levee is more commonly used than dike in everyday language, especially in American English. Dike is less common and has a slang connotation that may be offensive to some people.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between levee and dike?
Levee is typically associated with a formal and official tone, while dike is more informal and may be considered offensive in certain contexts.
