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stronghold

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

Definition of stronghold

1 : a fortified place
2a : a place of security or survival one of the last strongholds of the ancient Gaelic language— George Holmes
b : a place dominated by a particular group or marked by a particular characteristic a Republican stronghold strongholds of snobbery— Lionel Trilling
Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about stronghold

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Examples of stronghold in a Sentence

The area is a Republican stronghold. The rebels retreated to their mountain stronghold.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Trump needs to maximize support from white voters in places like Erie County, a former Democratic stronghold with a withering manufacturing industry and declining population. — Fortune, "Trump’s America: Where Politics Dictate the Definition of Racism," 6 Aug. 2019 El Paso, a city of more than 700,000, is a predominantly Mexican-American community and a Democratic stronghold. — Dallas News, "While some in El Paso aren't happy about Trump visit, others hope city can teach him something," 6 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'stronghold.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of stronghold

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for stronghold

stronghold

noun
How to pronounce stronghold (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of stronghold

: an area where most people have the same beliefs, values, etc. : an area dominated by a particular group
: a protected place where the members of a military group stay and can defend themselves against attacks
: an area where a particular type of uncommon animal can still be found

See the full definition for stronghold in the English Language Learners Dictionary

stronghold

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

Kids Definition of stronghold

: fortress

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More from Merriam-Webster on stronghold

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with stronghold

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for stronghold

Spanish Central: Translation of stronghold

Nglish: Translation of stronghold for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of stronghold for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stronghold

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