1. The solid, upright sections of a battlement (the defensive wall on top of a castle or fortification), alternating with open gaps called crenels.
Usage: Usually used in plural form.; Architectural/historical term.

Examples

• The castle's merlons provided protection for archers defending the walls.
• Medieval fortifications featured alternating merlons and crenels along the top.
• Soldiers crouched behind the merlons to shield themselves from enemy fire.
• The stone merlons of the ancient fortress still stand after centuries.
• Architects designed the merlons to be thick enough to withstand siege weapons.