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 of fort

• fortress
• stronghold
• fortification
• citadel
• castle
• bastion

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

John Corbin and another soldier mannedone of two cannons at the fort. —Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 May 2026

Jaipur is also one of India’s premier wedding destinations where ornate palaces and historical forts provide the backdrop for days-long traditional and modern festivities. —Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 21 May 2026

This nearly four-mile flat path is lined with historic forts, coastal views, and quintessential New England homes to admire. —Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 19 May 2026

The upholstered frame is soft and durable—my kids have already put it through the ringer, bumping into it, launching themselves off of it, and using the cushions to build forts. —Meg Kernahan, Architectural Digest, 15 May 2026

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