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 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 One by one continue to fall the last possible citadels of defense against uncontradicted Nazi dictatorship. Foreign Affairs, 18 Dec. 2011 Two of the biggest items on her list are hiking to Machu Picchu, the Inca citadel in Peru, and watching swimming at the Olympic Games. Michael Cody Stephenson, The Arizona Republic, 9 Aug. 2024 Perhaps most significantly, doubt was creeping into the citadel of religion. Michael Luo, The New Yorker, 29 July 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 4 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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