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 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.
Better yet, the chairs tuck neatly beneath the table when playtime is over, freeing up valuable floor space when a blanket fort is suddenly requested. — Vy Yang, Architectural Digest, 31 July 2026 The historic military fort overlooks the entrance to the Halifax Harbour and boasts old fortifications, historic artifacts, and unbeatable ocean views. — Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 Lazy rivers wind beneath breezy palms, while soaring slides and fort-like play areas peek out of the foliage. — Carly Caramanna, Travel + Leisure, 31 July 2026 The sheriff's office said the institution declined to press charges, and the artifacts were returned to the fort. — CBS News, 30 July 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 5 Aug. 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

Nglish: Translation of fort for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fort

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