# barbican

/bˈɑːbɪkən/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/barbican
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

a strong outer building that protects the entrance to a castle or old walled town. You had to walk through it to reach the main gate.

For teachers: an outer fortified structure guarding the entrance to a castle or walled city, typically incorporating a gate, bridge, or defensive towers.

## Examples

- The old castle keeps its stone barbican by the gate.
- Visitors cross the barbican before they reach the main courtyard of the medieval fortress.
- The restored barbican, with its twin towers and narrow arrow slits, shows how medieval builders forced attackers into a tight, exposed passage.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.