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.
During Spain’s colonial rule of the Philippines, which lasted from the mid-sixteenth century until 1898, Spanish priests staged folk dramas in town plazas; called moro-moro, the performances featured Christian soldiers dramatically capturing Islamic strongholds. Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025 The steakhouse may be no longer, but Fertitta still has a stronghold in the category in New York. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 6 Jan. 2025 Florida's rise in elderly population could also help the state remain a GOP stronghold, as older voters have historically tended to support Republican candidates. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 5 Jan. 2025 To cross the moat and venture into its immense chambers, shadowed by a seriousness of purpose, is to experience a kind of awe, or at least the deepest respect for whoever erected and owns this stronghold. Tom Gliatto, People.com, 3 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near stronghold

Cite this Entry

“Stronghold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stronghold. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

stronghold

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

More from Merriam-Webster on stronghold

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