noun
Uncommon
stronghold
STRONG-hohld
Stronghold (noun) means a fortified place built to resist attack. Example: “The castle served as a stronghold against invading forces for centuries.”
noun
1
A fortified place built to resist attack.
"For a time, it was the only Royalist stronghold between London and Exeter, but it fell at last when a member of the garrison turned traitor and admitted the Parliamentary besiegers who destroyed it with gunpowder."
— AA Book of British Villages, Drive Publications Ltd (1980)
"The castle served as a stronghold against invading forces for centuries."
2
A place or area where a particular group, idea, or belief is dominant.
"the last stronghold of the Cornish language"
"Bridge End is the border station and the scene of many a sad parting between enterprising shoppers and their purchases—for it is a stronghold of the Customs !—and half an hour is allowed in the timetable for examination and shunting."
— , By Goods Train to Gweedore (1949)
"The region remains a stronghold of the opposition party."
How to use stronghold
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA fortress, or figuratively, an area where a group or idea dominates.
Common pairings
rebel stronghold
political stronghold
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Word forms
- Plural
- strongholds
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The castle served as a _____ against invading forces for centuries.
Etymology
From Middle English strong-hold, a compound of strong and hold ("grip, control") — literally "a place held strongly."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “stronghold” mean?
The word “stronghold” means a fortified place built to resist attack. In plain terms, a fortress, or figuratively, an area where a group or idea dominates.
How do you pronounce “stronghold”?
“Stronghold” is pronounced STRONG-hohld (/ˈstɹɔŋˌhoʊld/ in IPA).
How do you use “stronghold” in a sentence?
Here is “stronghold” used in a sentence: “The castle served as a stronghold against invading forces for centuries.”
What part of speech is “stronghold”?
“Stronghold” is a noun.
Where does the word “stronghold” come from?
The word “stronghold” comes from Middle English. From Middle English strong-hold, a compound of strong and hold ("grip, control") — literally "a place held strongly.".
Is “stronghold” a common word?
“Stronghold” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “stronghold” have?
“Stronghold” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a fortified place built to resist attack.
