stronghold

noun

strong·hold | \ˈstrȯŋ-ˌhōld

Definition of stronghold

1 : a fortified place

2a : a place of security or survival one of the last strongholds of the ancient Gaelic language— George Holmes

b : a place dominated by a particular group or marked by a particular characteristic a Republican stronghold strongholds of snobbery— Lionel Trilling

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Examples of stronghold in a Sentence

The area is a Republican stronghold. The rebels retreated to their mountain stronghold. the last stronghold of the endangered deer

Recent Examples on the Web

Nebraska In the Cornhusker State, at least two race are expected to be somewhat competitive this November in the normally safe Republican stronghold. — Rob Tornoe, Philly.com, "2018 Election: Primary races in Idaho, Nebraska and Oregon," 15 May 2018 Support for Assad from Russia and Iran, meanwhile, shrank the space the rebels controlled in Syria, leaving Idlib province the last major opposition stronghold. — Umar Farooq, latimes.com, "Syrian forces battling Assad seek unity through the National Army," 14 May 2018 In Republican stronghold Texas, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones didn’t even wait until the end of the season to cut Damontre Moore, who raised his fist at the end of the national anthem. — Michael Harriot, The Root, "The NFL Wants Black Bodies ... Not Black People," 8 Mar. 2018 Each holds at least some of Orange County, once a Republican stronghold that has slowly drifted Democratic. — NBC News, "How California's primary system could lock out Democrats," 3 June 2018 Eager to help his party in the weeks leading up to Election Day, Bush was relegated to appearing in Republican strongholds like Georgia and Texas in the campaign's final days. — CBS News, "Trump plans to stump aggressively in midterms — but is he wanted everywhere?," 19 May 2018 Eager to help his party in the weeks leading up to Election Day, Bush was relegated to appearing in Republican strongholds like Georgia and Texas in the campaign’s final days. — Washington Post, "Trump plans aggressive role in midterms, but is he welcome?," 19 May 2018 Frustrated with years of funding cuts and neglect for public education, dozens of teachers in traditionally Republican strongholds are taking matters into their own hands and running for office themselves. — Katie Reilly, Time, "These Republican Teachers Are Running Against Their Own Party to Reverse Years of Education Cuts," 16 May 2018 Historically a Republican stronghold, California’s Fourth District is more than three-quarters white, with a sizable elderly population. — Bailey Bischoff, The Christian Science Monitor, "Life of first-time candidate: 16-hour days, piles of paperwork – and enthusiasm," 25 Apr. 2018

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