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.
The findings reflect broader dissatisfaction among New Yorkers with the state's leadership and opens the door for Republicans to make substantial inroads in traditionally blue strongholds. Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025 While Illinois has long been known as Democratic stronghold, with nearly 55% of voters favoring Vice President Kamala Harris compared with 44% supporting Trump in November, McHenry County leans more to the right politically. Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025 Meanwhile, city officials in the Democratic stronghold of Nashville have disavowed involvement and been critical of the arrests. Travis Loller, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2025 The province is also considered a conservative stronghold: Smith belongs to the United Conservative Party, which has led the provincial government since 2019 and advocates for lower taxes and against a carbon tax. Chad De Guzman, Time, 6 May 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 30 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

stronghold

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

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