kremlin

noun

krem·​lin ˈkrem-lən How to pronounce kremlin (audio)
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

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'kremlin.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of kremlin was in 1662

Dictionary Entries Near kremlin

Cite this Entry

“Kremlin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kremlin. Accessed 30 Mar. 2023.

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