donjon

noun

don·​jon ˈdän-jən How to pronounce donjon (audio) ˈdən- How to pronounce donjon (audio)
: a massive inner tower in a medieval castle see castle illustration

Illustration of donjon

Illustration of donjon
  • 1 donjon

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web It’s billed as the tallest medieval donjon in Europe. Nicole Defeudis, BostonGlobe.com, 29 May 2018 However, both donjon and dungeon originally referred to and still refer to, secondarily, a castle keep. David Dobbs, Slate Magazine, 25 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'donjon.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English — more at dungeon

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of donjon was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near donjon

Donizetti

donjon

donjon keep

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Cite this Entry

“Donjon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/donjon. Accessed 29 Nov. 2022.

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Kids Definition

donjon

noun

don·​jon ˈdän-jən How to pronounce donjon (audio) ˈdən- How to pronounce donjon (audio)
: the main inner tower in a castle
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