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

• bastion
• castle
• citadel
• fastness
• fortification
• fortress
• hold
• redoubt
• stronghold

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

Build forts with it, cry into it, rest a head on it, hug it, put a gift for the Tooth Fairy under it, convert it into a kneepad or even deliver wedding bands on it. —Candace Oehler, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024

Located in Keta, in the West African country’s Volta Region, the fort is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its historical significance. —Gameli Hamelo, ARTnews.com, 27 Nov. 2024

The property is also home to an Iron Age fort called Dunskirloch. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Nov. 2024

Set up some lawn chairs between the beautiful Bridge of Lions and the oldest fort in the U.S., Castillo de San Marcos, and cheer for your favorites. —Rebecca Deurlein, Southern Living, 25 Nov. 2024

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

Kids Definition

fort

noun

ˈfō(ə)rt 

ˈfȯ(ə)rt

1

: a strong or fortified place

2

: a permanent army post