stronghold

noun

strong·​hold ˈstrȯŋ-ˌhōld How to pronounce stronghold (audio)
1
: a fortified place
2
a
: a place of security or survival
one of the last strongholds of the ancient Gaelic languageGeorge Holmes
b
: a place dominated by a particular group or marked by a particular characteristic
a Republican 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.
Meanwhile, Republican strongholds such as Ohio, Indiana, Florida and Missouri are seen as having greater potential to expand their representation through redistricting. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Aug. 2025 Events and rallies are also scheduled in dozens of other states, both in Democratic strongholds and Republican-majority states. Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2025 Trump says the ultimate prize, spurring more production in the United States and reclaiming the nation’s status as a manufacturing stronghold, will be worth the turmoil. Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2025 With their two hits, the two Olympic teammates maintained their stronghold over the competitive field – but Roberson was not far off. Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2025 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 21 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

stronghold

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

More from Merriam-Webster on stronghold

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