Belfast

American  

[bel-fast, -fahst, bel-fast, -fahst] / ˈbɛl fæst, -fɑst, bɛlˈfæst, -ˈfɑst /

noun

1. a seaport in and capital of Northern Ireland, on the E coast.

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Belfast British  

/ ˈbɛlfɑːst, bɛlˈfɑːst /

noun

1. the capital of Northern Ireland, a port on Belfast Lough in Belfast district, Co Antrim and Co Down: became the centre of Irish Protestantism and of the linen industry in the 17th century; seat of the Northern Ireland assembly and executive. Pop: 276 459 (2001)

2. a district of W Northern Ireland, in Co Antrim and Co Down. Pop: 271 596 (2003 est). Area: 115 sq km (44 sq miles)

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Belfast Cultural  

1. Capital, largest city, and major port of Northern Ireland.

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Discover More

For centuries the city has been the site of violent conflict between Protestant and Roman Catholic residents.

Example Sentences

Finnian also featured as Raymond in the film Housejackers, which premiered at the Belfast Film Festival last year.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

Finnian graduated from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in July 2019 and had previously played the role of Benvolio in Romeo and Juliet at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

In a statement, Muir said Belfast Lough was "much-loved by the communities who live beside it and is an essential habitat for local wildlife".

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

The signs, purporting to be an "urgent public notice", describe Belfast Lough as "highly contaminated with raw sewage" and tell people not to go into the water or allow pets and children onto the beach.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

He returned to Belfast, which erupted all around him.

From "Angela's Ashes: A Memoir" by Frank McCourt