fort

noun

ˈfȯrt 

1

: a strong or fortified place

especially : a fortified place occupied only by troops and surrounded with such works as a ditch, rampart, and parapet : fortification

2

: a permanent army post

—often used in place names

Synonyms

• bastion
• castle
• citadel
• fastness
• fortification
• fortress
• hold
• redoubt
• stronghold

Examples of fort in a Sentence

They captured the fort after a long battle.

a series of forts along the frontier

Recent Examples on the Web

The board has no shortage of options if the idea truly is to find someone qualified to hold down the fort while the search for a successor to Martinez is conducted. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2025

The Mets’ bullpen held down the fort and kept them within striking distance. —James O'Connell, New York Daily News, 4 May 2025

Thompson takes care of business While the Capitals rounded into shape over the first two periods, eventually grabbing a 3-0 lead on a 20-15 shot advantage after 40 minutes of play, Thompson was more than good enough to hold the fort. —Arpon Basu, New York Times, 1 May 2025

The skeletons were found approximately 1,300 feet from the site of the cavalry fort. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English forte, from Anglo-French fort, from fort, adjective, strong, from Latin fortis

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing fort

• hold down the fort
• hold the fort

Rhymes for fort

• bort
• corte
• court
• dort
• mort
• norte
• ort
• port
• porte
• quart
• short
• snort

Kids Definition

fort

noun

ˈfō(ə)rt 

ˈfȯ(ə)rt

1

: a strong or fortified place

2

: a permanent army post