1
: a strong or fortified place
especially : a fortified place occupied only by troops and surrounded with such works as a ditch, rampart, and parapet : fortification
2
: a permanent army post
often used in place names

Examples of fort in a Sentence

They captured the fort after a long battle. a series of forts along the frontier
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.
Los Angeles is building toward the postseason and is trying to hold down the fort until James can return to the lineup. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025 Co-leader Chris Difford has apparently taken ill, although the less Squeeze-attentive parts of the audience may not have noticed, since primary lead singer Glenn Tilbrook is holding down the fort quite effectively. Chris Willman, Variety, 7 Mar. 2025 Life isn't looking much brighter back at the ranch, where Cara (Helen Mirren) is still holding down the fort until her husband returns. Matt Cabral, EW.com, 2 Mar. 2025 Almost as riveting as the two- day discussion of Aaron Boone’s contract extension. CHANGES AT YES For the first time in the history of the Yankees Entertainment and Sports Network, John J. Filippelli won’t be holding down the fort as the network’s executive producer when the season opens. Bob Raissman, New York Daily News, 1 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fort

Word History

Etymology

Middle English forte, from Anglo-French fort, from fort, adjective, strong, from Latin fortis

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fort.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fort. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

fort

noun
ˈfō(ə)rt How to pronounce fort (audio)
ˈfȯ(ə)rt
1
: a strong or fortified place
2
: a permanent army post

More from Merriam-Webster on fort

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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