stronghold

noun

strong·​hold ˈstrȯŋ-ˌhōld 

1

: a fortified place

2

a

: 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

Synonyms

• fortress
• bastion
• citadel
• fortification
• castle
• fort

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

Several clinics that provide gender-affirming care, including some in Democratic strongholds, have shut down in recent months due to the Administration’s threats to cut federal funding for medical facilities that provide such care to transgender and nonbinary youth. —Solcyré Burga, Time, 10 Sep. 2025

In addition to being Democratic strongholds, Chicago and Illinois have long been destinations for immigrants. —Michael Loria, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025

See video … STEWART WHITSON – Republicans zero in on Democratic stronghold to flip Virginia congressional district. —FOXNews.com, 8 Sep. 2025

Daily reports from the Election Department show GOP strongholds beating early-vote numbers from 2020, while traditionally Democratic areas are mostly trailing. —Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for stronghold

• ahold
• behold
• billfold
• blindfold
• cajoled
• consoled
• controlled
• cotswold
• eightfold
• enfold
• enrolled
• extolled

Kids Definition

stronghold

noun

strong·​hold ˈstrȯŋ-ˌhōld 

: fortress