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Definition of citadel

citadel

/ˈsɪt.ə.dɛl/
cit · a · del
Plural:citadels
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citadel Lexical Profile

citadel Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A fortress, typically located on high ground, that protects or dominates a city.

Example

"The ancient stone citadel still overlooks the harbor, a testament to the city's strategic importance during medieval times."

2

A core area or ideological stronghold that fiercely defends and promotes a particular set of beliefs, principles, or institutions.

Example

"The prestigious university has long prided itself on being a citadel of free speech and rigorous academic inquiry."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for citadel

• Rhymes for citadel

• Nearby Words

cistern
cisticola
cistus
citadel
citarum
citrange
citron

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed into English in the mid-16th century from Middle French 'citadelle', which stems from the Italian 'cittadella' meaning 'little city' (a diminutive of 'città'), ultimately from the Latin 'civitas'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Citadel. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 17, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/citadel
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