citadel

noun

cit·​a·​del ˈsi-tə-dᵊl How to pronounce citadel (audio)
-ˌdel
1
: a fortress that commands (see command entry 1 sense 2c) a city
2
: stronghold
the nation's citadel of health researchConstance Holden
a citadel of higher education

Examples of citadel in a Sentence

We visited a medieval citadel in Italy. a massive stone citadel continues to command the city of Halifax, Nova Scotia
Recent Examples on the Web The citadel is thought to have housed a population of around 500 royals, philosophers, astronomers, and climate scientists — all of whom had been involved in designing and organizing the project. Monisha Rajesh, Travel + Leisure, 20 Oct. 2024 Perched on a mountaintop above the oasis, a stone citadel called the Pukará de Quitor predates the Inca era and held out against 16th-century conquistadors for 20 years before finally capitulating to the Spanish invaders. Joe Yogerst, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024 Even the recent Public Safety Training Center comes off as a walled citadel that attempts, with limited success, to be a good neighbor. Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 22 Sep. 2024 Now, Walk Japan offers behind-the-scenes access into the bygone world of Japan’s feudal past, from ancient Japanese pathways to visiting the battlefields, citadels, and castles. Michelle Gross, Robb Report, 5 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for citadel 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'citadel.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle French citadelle, from Old Italian cittadella, diminutive of cittade city, from Medieval Latin civitat-, civitas — more at city

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of citadel was in 1542

Dictionary Entries Near citadel

Cite this Entry

“Citadel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/citadel. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

citadel

noun
cit·​a·​del ˈsit-əd-ᵊl How to pronounce citadel (audio)
-ə-ˌdel
1
: a fortress that sits high above a city
2
: a strong fortress

More from Merriam-Webster on citadel

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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