noun

merlon

MER-luhn

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Merlon (noun) means a merlon is one of the upright sections between the gaps of a battlement, originally providing cover for archers. Example: “Archers would duck behind a merlon to reload their bows.”

noun

architecture A merlon is one of the upright sections between the gaps of a battlement, originally providing cover for archers.

"Archers would duck behind a merlon to reload their bows."

"The castle's battlements still have several of their original merlons."

"Each merlon along the wall was wide enough to shield a soldier."

How to use merlon

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA merlon is one of the solid blocks along the top of a castle wall, with gaps left between them for defenders.

When to use it

Merlon is a specialist term from architecture and military history, not everyday vocabulary.

Memory tip

Picture the raised blocks on a castle wall, not the gaps between them, which are called crenels or embrasures.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

merlin →

Common pairings

battlement merlons a row of merlons stone merlons between the merlons

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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 “merlon” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Archers would duck behind a _____ to reload their bows.

Etymology

Merlon was borrowed from French merlon, which came from Italian merlone, itself built from merlo plus an augmentative suffix. The word is thought to go back to Late Latin and Latin merula, meaning blackbird, from the idea that merlons look like a row of birds lined up along a wall.

Origin: French

Synonyms

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cop

Related words

receive steal bull cop copper hook bobby jake

Frequently asked questions

What is a merlon on a castle?

It is one of the solid upright blocks along the top of a battlement, standing between the gaps.

What was a merlon used for?

Defenders could shelter behind it while firing arrows through the gaps or loopholes at its sides.

Where does the word merlon come from?

It was borrowed from French, which took it from Italian, and the trail leads back to a Latin word linked to blackbirds.

What is the meaning of merlon?

"merlon" (noun) means a merlon is one of the upright sections between the gaps of a battlement, originally providing cover for archers.

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