kremlin

noun

krem·​lin ˈkrem-lən 

1

: the citadel of a Russian city

2

capitalized [the Kremlin, citadel of Moscow and seat of government of Russia and formerly of the Soviet Union] : the Russian government

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

The main attraction in Pskov, population 200,000, is not the train station, but its kremlin, or krom. —Joe Grimm, Detroit Free Press, 15 July 2017

The highlights of the city are the religious buildings inside the ancient white walls of its 16th century kremlin, or citadel, one of UNESCO’s world heritage sites. —Tales Azzoni, The Seattle Times, 22 June 2017

The kremlin is just a short walk away from the lively Bauman Street, which is filled with tourists and students along its many bars, restaurants, nightclubs and souvenir shops. —Tales Azzoni, The Seattle Times, 22 June 2017

Word History

Etymology

obsolete German Kremelien the citadel of Moscow, ultimately from Old Russian kremlĭ

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined at sense 1