fort

noun

ˈfȯrt 

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

Synonyms

• bastion
• castle
• citadel
• fastness
• fortification
• fortress
• hold
• redoubt
• stronghold

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

Gales Ferry Intermodal had agreed from the start to preserve the footprint of the central fort, and the Archaeological Conservancy announced Dec. 26 a deal to save more. —Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 6 Jan. 2025

Nestled in a scenic mountain pass, this is a hike-in park on an interpretive trail to the ruins of the fort. —Roger Naylor, The Arizona Republic, 1 Jan. 2025

Cohen was holding down the fort leading Anthony Anderson and his mother, Mama Doris in a game called the Mom-ly Wed Game. —Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2024

For most of Saturday afternoon, the Canucks were solid and disciplined and held the fort with their usual tactical nous. —Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 28 Dec. 2024

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

Phrases Containing fort

• hold down the fort
• hold the fort

Kids Definition

fort

noun

ˈfō(ə)rt 

ˈfȯ(ə)rt

1

: a strong or fortified place

2

: a permanent army post