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 Empire State and Golden State are currently considered left-leaning strongholds that have been key to Democratic victories and power in recent years. Tara Suter, The Hill, 23 Dec. 2024 In the end, the GOP will maintain its stronghold on legislative politics in the state, maintaining its supermajority status in the House with 75 seats and 27 seats in the Senate. Vivian Jones, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024 The Syrian president relied on Vladimir Putin keeping him power during the Syrian civil war, with Russian aircraft bombing the rebel stronghold of Aleppo in 2015 and 2016. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024 It was well known as a rebel stronghold — surrounded by many towns loyal to the government — and almost every family contributed fighters to the opposition. Carlotta Gall, New York Times, 15 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near stronghold

Cite this Entry

“Stronghold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stronghold. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

stronghold

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

More from Merriam-Webster on stronghold

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