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

Turn one last corner and a stone fortress comes into view, a crown atop the sleepy hamlet of Migiana. —Laura May Todd, Vogue, 21 Dec. 2025

Visitors like to explore the island’s caves and grottos, as well as a fortress tower and lighthouse at Cape Punta de Anciola. —Kristine Hansen, Travel + Leisure, 21 Dec. 2025

And despite its size, this tiny fortress is as safe and secure as any home on the market, with lockable doors and windows all around. —Sarah Scott, Parents, 15 Dec. 2025

Formerly known as As-Saraya Al-Hamra, the fortress that houses the museum has long been a central landmark in Libya’s capital, Tripoli. —Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 13 Dec. 2025

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