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.
Over the decades, the neighborhood has shape shifted — from an industrial corridor to a Latino stronghold, from gang territory to a flourishing arts district. Achy Obejas, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2025 But a dispute with Republican legislative leaders culminated this week in a compromise deal that curtails the unilateral authority the governor used to fly migrants to Democratic strongholds — and eventually phases out the program altogether. Ana Ceballos, Miami Herald, 12 Feb. 2025 Jenin is known as a militant stronghold, a place that has witnessed little to no peace. Britt Clennett, ABC News, 12 Feb. 2025 Trump won the once traditionally Democratic stronghold of Robeson County, NC, where the tribal headquarters is located, with 59% of the vote. Sarah D. Wire, USA TODAY, 23 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 23 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

stronghold

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

More from Merriam-Webster on stronghold

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