English Reference
noun · verb

fort

n. · v.
US /ˈfɔɹt/ UK /fˈɔːt/ fort UK spelling fort's, fort's

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    n.a strong building or wall built to protect a place from attack.

    n.a fortified defensive structure designed to withstand attack and typically stationed with troops.

    Simple

    The soldiers stayed inside the stone fort to defend the harbor.

    In context

    The ruins of the coastal fort provided a clear view of the bay, illustrating why the site was strategically vital for centuries.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate American English

    n.a permanent military station or army base.

    n.a permanent army post or military installation, common in American English place names.

    Simple

    He was sent to Fort Bragg for his basic training.

    In context

    The expansion of the local fort brought thousands of new families to the area, stimulating the regional economy through increased demand for housing.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Archaic

    n.a historical place in North America where people met to trade goods.

    n.an outlying trading station, particularly in the context of colonial British North America and the fur trade.

    Simple

    The explorers reached the remote fort to trade furs for supplies.

    In context

    Historical records from the fort indicate that the winter of 1784 was particularly harsh, nearly depleting the settlement's grain reserves.

    trading poststation
  4. 04 B1 Intermediate Informal

    n.a small house or shelter children build out of blankets and chairs.

    n.a temporary structure improvised from household items like furniture and bedding for recreational play.

    Simple

    The kids built a fort in the living room using all the sofa cushions.

    In context

    On rainy afternoons, the children would construct elaborate forts in the basement, complete with secret entrances and blanket roofs.

  5. 05 C2 Proficiency ArchaicLiterary

    v.to build walls or defenses around a place.

    v.to construct fortifications or establish a strong point for defense.

    Simple

    The settlers worked quickly to fort the camp before nightfall.

    In context

    The general ordered his men to fort the ridge, knowing the high ground was their only hope against the advancing cavalry.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated