stronghold

noun

strong·​hold ˈstrȯŋ-ˌhōld How to pronounce stronghold (audio)
Synonyms of strongholdnext
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/Democratic stronghold
strongholds of snobberyLionel Trilling

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Most primary winners in the Democratic stronghold are expected to win in November, shaping a new generation of leadership in the state's congressional delegation. Arkansas Online, 18 Mar. 2026 The American Israel Public Affairs Committee invested millions into several House contests, hoping to box out progressive, anti-Israel candidates from winning safe Democratic strongholds. Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 18 Mar. 2026 From 2006 to 2011, the series, about a teenager named Miley Stewart who lives a double life as a pop singer, was the crown jewel of the Disney Channel empire at the peak of its stronghold over American youth. Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026 Democrats in the loyally blue state are looking to lockdown a stronghold. Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stronghold

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stronghold was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Stronghold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stronghold. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

stronghold

noun
strong·​hold ˈstrȯŋ-ˌhōld How to pronounce stronghold (audio)

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