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

see also:

hold the fort

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

The investigations turned to Belknap’s appointment of post-traders, civilian merchants licensed by the government to conduct business at military forts. — Tiago Ventura, Time, 10 Nov. 2026

Unlike other cities in Rajasthan, which often have multiple forts and palaces, Jodhpur has this main, commanding citadel. — Shalbha Sarda, Travel + Leisure, 9 Nov. 2026

At 4-5, the Ravens needed Brissett to hold down the fort at least, with Baltimore losing by at least 20 points in their last three games. — Scott Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026

The Alamo is the fort that was under siege by the Mexican army for 13 days in 1836, killing more than 150. — Caroline Linton, CBS News, 2 Nov. 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