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
see also:
hold the fort

Synonyms of fort

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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.
In an attempt to open the river to the Royal Navy and establish a supply line, the British Army sent a Hessian brigade to attack the fort. — Jennifer Janofsky, The Conversation, 28 Aug. 2026 In 1968 Britain considered evicting the family by force, with declassified documents showing a plan to raze the fort. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Aug. 2026 Which is why on September 17, 2026, Deadline wants to celebrate the lawyers — especially the ones holding down the Hollywood fort. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026 By upgrading wastewater systems in the Everglades, repairing boardwalks at Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, and restoring historic fort walls at Gulf Islands National Seashore, the LRF is protecting the long-term legacy of our public lands. — Lulu Vilas, Sun Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fort

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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