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

Those interested in the history of the fortress can learn more in the six different on-site museums. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 4 Feb. 2026

At the end of a winding valley road deep in the Purcell Mountains, Panorama Mountain Resort feels like a secret fortress of skiing. —Brent Rose, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Feb. 2026

According to local lore, the hillside on which this estate is situated is where a young Napoleon once climbed the cliff below the fortress and carved a heart into the rock. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 30 Jan. 2026

Right now, though, Payton is betting he’s built a fortress impenetrable to such thoughts as long as there is still an opponent ahead. —Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 24 Jan. 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