TechnologyJuly 4, 2026
moat
/moʊt/
Definition
A durable, competitive advantage that protects a company’s market share and profitability from rivals.
Etymology
Originating from Middle English 'mote', likely from Old French 'mote' meaning a mound or embankment. It evolved from the physical defensive ditch surrounding a castle to the modern metaphorical business usage describing a protective barrier against competitors.
In the news
The article uses the term to describe how certain software companies maintain a competitive edge, noting that not all such protective advantages are equally effective. It highlights why investors look for these barriers to entry when evaluating long-term business strength.
Veteran Tech Analyst: The Market Has Wrongly Left Software for Dead in the AI Rotation
Read the full article ↗24/7 Wall St.