n.
Pronunciation: ' bu ̇ l-( ˌ )w ə rk, - ˌ wo ̇ rk; ' b ə l-( ˌ )w ə rk; sense 3 also ' b ə - ˌ läk
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English bulwerke, from Middle Dutch bolwerc, from bolle tree trunk + werc work
Date: 15th century
1 a : a solid wall-like structure raised for defense : RAMPART b : BREAKWATER , SEAWALL
2 : a strong support or protection
3 : the side of a ship above the upper deck ― usually used in plural