ENGLISH
REFERENCE

kremlin

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈkɹɛmɫən// UK //kɹˈɛmlɪn// krem·lin

n. a large, strong building or castle in a Russian city that was built to protect the people inside. When people say 'the Kremlin', they usually mean the famous one in Moscow where the government works.

n. a fortified central complex found in historic Russian cities, typically containing palaces, churches, and administrative buildings. When capitalised, it refers specifically to the Moscow Kremlin as the seat of the Russian government.


SIMPLE

The tourists took photos of the red walls of the Kremlin.

CONTEXTUAL

The Kremlin in Moscow serves as the official residence of the President and is a major historical landmark.

COMPLEX

While many Russian cities boast their own ancient kremlin, the Moscow complex remains the most architecturally significant, blending medieval fortification with Renaissance influences.

Origin

Special use of kremlin.

Usage

Often used as a proper noun ('the Kremlin') to refer to the Russian government or its executive branch.

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