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noun Uncommon

citadel

SIH-tuh-duhl

Citadel (noun) means a fortress, often built on high ground, that protects or overlooks a city. Example: “The citadel had guarded the city for over five centuries.”

noun
1
A fortress, often built on high ground, that protects or overlooks a city.
"The citadel had guarded the city for over five centuries."
2
Any stronghold or heavily protected place, used figuratively.
"The bank's headquarters was a citadel of old money and tradition."

How to use citadel

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA fortress defending a city, or figuratively anything seen as a stronghold.

Common pairings
ancient citadel citadel of power

Word forms

citadels plural

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Fill the gap

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The _____ had guarded the city for over five centuries.

Etymology

From French citadelle, from Italian cittadella, a diminutive of città ("city"), from Latin civitas.

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for citadel

See all rhymes for citadel →

Frequently asked questions

What does “citadel” mean?

The word “citadel” means a fortress, often built on high ground, that protects or overlooks a city. In plain terms, a fortress defending a city, or figuratively anything seen as a stronghold.

How do you pronounce “citadel”?

“Citadel” is pronounced SIH-tuh-duhl (/ˈsɪtədəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “citadel” in a sentence?

Here is “citadel” used in a sentence: “The citadel had guarded the city for over five centuries.”

What is another word for “citadel”?

Words with a similar meaning to “citadel” include fortress, bastion, stronghold and bulwark.

What part of speech is “citadel”?

“Citadel” is a noun.

Where does the word “citadel” come from?

The word “citadel” comes from Latin. From French citadelle, from Italian cittadella, a diminutive of città ("city"), from Latin civitas.

Is “citadel” a common word?

“Citadel” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “citadel” have?

“Citadel” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a fortress, often built on high ground, that protects or overlooks a city.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial