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

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

Right next to it, within walking distance is the Kasbah, which is the Islamic fort that was built in the 12th century. —AFAR Media, 15 May 2026

The optical illusion reminded early settlers of the blockades of wooden stakes, or palisades, built around forts to ward off threats. —Literary Hub, 13 May 2026

The historic Civil War fort opens its rooms, galleries, and grounds to visitors eager to learn about life as a Union soldier. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 11 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