noun

machicolation

muh-chik-uh-LAY-shuhn

Quiz me More like this

Machicolation (noun) means an opening in a projecting parapet or gallery floor of a fortified building, through which defenders could shoot at or drop objects on attackers below. Example: “Guides pointed out the machicolation above the gatehouse where defenders once dropped heated objects on attackers below.”

noun

An opening in a projecting parapet or gallery floor of a fortified building, through which defenders could shoot at or drop objects on attackers below.

"Guides pointed out the machicolation above the gatehouse where defenders once dropped heated objects on attackers below."

"The castle wall still shows several machicolations along its upper edge."

"Archaeologists studied the machicolation to work out how the garrison defended the entrance."

A projecting parapet built with a row of such openings.

"The tower's machicolation ran the full length of the wall."

"Restorers rebuilt the stone machicolation using the original design."

"From below, the machicolation looked like a narrow stone ledge with gaps cut into it."

How to use machicolation

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIt's a gap built into a castle wall so defenders could attack anyone below.

When to use it

It is a specialist term used in architecture and castle history rather than everyday speech.

Memory tip

Think of it as a hole with a purpose: it let defenders see and strike straight down the wall face.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

machicolated parapet row of machicolations projecting machicolation

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like machicolation.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “machicolation” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Guides pointed out the _____ above the gatehouse where defenders once dropped heated objects on attackers below.

Etymology

The word comes from Late Latin machicolamentum, formed with the suffix -ation, which marks an action or process. That earlier term is thought to combine an Old French word for chewing or crushing with another meaning neck, joined to a Latin ending for an instrument or result.

Origin: Late Latin

Synonyms

View more →

machicoulis

Rhymes for machicolation

region ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation diffusion elocution extension oxidation perfusion selection

See all rhymes for machicolation →

Frequently asked questions

What is a machicolation?

It is an opening built into a castle's parapet or gallery floor that let defenders attack or drop things on enemies at the base of the wall.

What were machicolations used for?

Defenders used them to shoot at or drop heated materials and other objects onto attackers who had reached the foot of the walls.

Where would you find machicolations?

They appear on fortified buildings such as medieval castles, usually along the top of a wall or above a gateway.

What is the meaning of machicolation?

"machicolation" (noun) means an opening in a projecting parapet or gallery floor of a fortified building, through which defenders could shoot at or drop objects on attackers below.