castle

¹

[ kas-uhl, kah-suhl ]

noun

1. a fortified, usually walled residence, as of a prince or noble in feudal times.

   Synonyms: citadel, fortress

2. the chief and strongest part of the fortifications of a medieval city.
3. a strongly fortified, permanently garrisoned stronghold.
4. a large and stately residence, especially one, with high walls and towers, that imitates the form of a medieval castle.

   Synonyms: château, palace

5. any place providing security and privacy:

   It may be small, but my home is my castle.

6. Chess. the rook.

verb (used with object)

, cas·tled, cas·tling.

1. to place or enclose in or as in a castle.
2. Chess. to move (the king) in castling.

verb (used without object)

, Chess.

, cas·tled, cas·tling.

1. to move the king two squares horizontally and bring the appropriate rook to the square the king has passed over.
2. (of the king) to be moved in this manner.

Castle

²

[ kas-uhl, kah-suhl ]

noun

1. Irene (Foote), 1893–1969, born in the U.S., and her husband and partner Vernon ( Vernon Castle Blythe ), 1887–1918, born in England, U.S. ballroom dancers.

castle

/ ˈkɑːsəl /

noun

1. a fortified building or set of buildings, usually permanently garrisoned, as in medieval Europe
2. any fortified place or structure
3. a large magnificent house, esp when the present or former home of a nobleman or prince
4. the citadel and strongest part of the fortifications of a medieval town
5. chess another name for rook 2

verb

1. chess to move (the king) two squares laterally on the first rank and place the nearest rook on the square passed over by the king, either towards the king's side ( castling short ) or the queen's side ( castling long )

Other Words From

• castle·like adjective
• un·castled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of castle¹

before 1000; Middle English, Old English castel < Latin castellum castellum

Word History and Origins

Origin of castle¹

C11: from Latin castellum, diminutive of castrum fort

Example Sentences

On Monday, King Hamad arrived in a horse and carriage at Windsor Castle, receiving a Royal Salute from a Guard of Honour.

From BBC

The gun fired from Edinburgh Castle signalled the start of the traditional silence.

From BBC

For some, the jewel in Essex's crown could be Southend-on-Sea's famous pier, Colchester Castle or the historic woodland of Epping Forest.

From BBC

And 40 miles away at Muncaster Castle - which is popular with visitors and wedding guests - Ewan Frost-Pennington lets some staff stay in a house on the grounds because of the lack of transport connections.

From BBC

"That's got six young people living in it, of which I think two can drive," says Ewan, whose family have lived in the castle for 800 years.

From BBC