fortress

noun

for·​tress ˈfȯr-trəs 

: a fortified place : stronghold

especially : a large and permanent fortification sometimes including a town

fortresslike

ˈfȯr-trəs-līk 

adjective

Synonyms of fortress

• stronghold
• citadel
• fortification
• castle
• bastion
• fort

Examples of fortress in a Sentence

the boys built a snow fortress and then challenged the neighborhood kids to an in-your-face snowball fight

Recent Examples on the Web

Rezvani just built you a fortress of a pickup truck ready to take on the apocalypse. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 30 May 2026

Surviving the onslaught would require no less than a flying fortress with complex magnetic shielding. —Kai James, The Conversation, 26 May 2026

The trailers show that Eternia was once a vibrant alien-like world with multi-colored forests, massive mountains and fortresses with towering faces carved into their entrances. —Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026

St James’ Park during the Howe era has been a fortress, but there were boos at half-time and the final whistle, less angry than resigned. —George Caulkin, New York Times, 25 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English forteresse, from Anglo-French fortelesce, forteresse, from Medieval Latin fortalitia, from Latin fortis strong

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

fortress

noun

for·​tress ˈfȯr-trəs 

: a fortified place