English Reference

Word

castle

Phoneticscas·tle, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈkæsəɫ/

UK/kˈɑːsəl/

Definitions

01fortified building

A2 · Elementary Countable noun

n. a large building with high, thick walls built long ago to protect people against enemies.

n. a large, fortified residence or compound, typically dating from the medieval period, designed to withstand siege and house nobility.

“The king lived in a stone castle on top of the hill to see enemies coming.”

“The medieval castle featured a deep moat and thick curtain walls designed to repel prolonged sieges by rival lords.”

02chess piece

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Informal

n. a chess piece that looks like a small tower.

n. a common informal name for the rook, a chess piece that moves in straight lines.

“He moved his castle across the board to put the king in danger.”

“The beginner mistakenly referred to the rook as a castle throughout the entire tournament match.”

Synonyms

03chess move

B2 · Upper Intermediate Technical

v. to move your king and a tower piece at the same time in a special chess move.

v. to execute a special move in chess involving the king and either rook to improve king safety.

“It is usually a good idea to castle early in the game to keep your king safe.”

“The grandmaster decided to castle kingside to consolidate his defensive position before launching a counter-attack.”

Related words

Idioms

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Common
Level
A2 · ElementaryOxford
Updated

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