levee

/ˈlɛvi/

/ˈlɛvi/

Other forms: levees

A levee is an embankment, like a dam, constructed to prevent the overflow of a body of water. It can also mean a formal reception. How do these two words relate? Read on...

In French, lever means "to lift" and se lever means "to rise," literally "lift yourself." When the king rose from his bed and received visitors, that was a levee. When you raise up dirt or other materials to build a dam or levee, that's also a levee. Now, official levees don't involve kings — but you might hear of “a governor’s levee at the state capital.” And levee can be used as a verb, meaning "to make an embankment, or shore up."

Definitions of levee

1. noun

   an embankment that is built in order to prevent a river from overflowing
   type of:

   embankment

   a long artificial mound of stone or earth; built to hold back water or to support a road or as protection
2. noun

   a pier that provides a landing place on a river
   type of:

   dock, pier, wharf, wharfage

   a platform built out from the shore into the water and supported by piles; provides access to ships and boats
3. noun

   a formal reception of visitors or guests (as at a royal court)
   type of:

   reception

   a formal party of people; as after a wedding