fort

noun

ˈfȯrt How to pronounce fort (audio)
Synonyms of fortnext
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

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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
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.
Los Angeles is building toward the postseason and is trying to hold down the fort until James can return to the lineup. — Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025 Discover over 3 miles of beaches, hundreds of years of history (see old military forts and the iconic black-and-white Tybee Island Light Station, built in 1773), and lots of opportunities to explore nature. — Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 11 Mar. 2025 If the Lakers can hold the fort down while James is out due to injury, things will be much easier for them. — Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025 The 400-year-old fort is famed for its mirror work on the walls and 3D carvings creating illusions on its pillars. — Shalbha Sarda, Architectural Digest, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fort

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of fort was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing fort

Rhymes for fort

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Browse Nearby Words

forsythia
fort
Fortaleza
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Cite this Entry

“Fort.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fort. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

fort

noun
ˈfō(ə)rt How to pronounce fort (audio)
ˈfȯ(ə)rt
1
: a strong or fortified place
2
: a permanent army post

More from Merriam-Webster on fort

Nglish: Translation of fort for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fort

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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