château

noun

châ·​teau sha-ˈtō How to pronounce château (audio)
plural châteaus sha-ˈtōz How to pronounce château (audio) or châteaux sha-ˈtō(z) How to pronounce château (audio)
Synonyms of châteaunext
1
: a feudal castle or fortress in France
2
: a large country house : mansion
3
: a French vineyard estate

Synonyms

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Examples of château in a Sentence

a gorgeous château on a hill
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.
Bing Crosby’s French-style chateau has hit the market for the first time in 6 decades. — Rachel Flynn, People.com, 27 Feb. 2025 In addition to its timeless elegance characteristic of a European chateau, the home is in the exclusive neighborhood of Snedens Landing, which is well known for its rustic seclusion, connection to the arts and proximity to New York City. — Michael P. McKinney, USA TODAY, 18 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from Old French chastel, Latin castellum fortress

First Known Use

1720, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of château was in 1720

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Cite this Entry

“Château.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ch%C3%A2teau. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

château

noun
châ·​teau sha-ˈtō How to pronounce château (audio)
plural châteaus -ˈtōz How to pronounce château (audio) or châteaux -ˈtō(z) How to pronounce château (audio)
: a castle or a large country house especially in France
Etymology

French, from early French chastel "castle," from Latin castellum "fortress" — related to castle

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