acropolis

American  

[uh-krop-uh-lis] / əˈkrɒp ə lɪs /

noun

1. the citadel or high fortified area of an ancient Greek city.

2. the Acropolis, the citadel of Athens and the site of the Parthenon.

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Acropolis ¹ British  

/ əˈkrɒpəlɪs /

noun

1. the citadel of Athens on which the Parthenon and the Erechtheum stand

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acropolis ² British  

/ əˈkrɒpəlɪs /

noun

1. the citadel of an ancient Greek city

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Acropolis Cultural  

1. The fortified high point of ancient Athens (see also Athens). Once the center of Athenian life, the Acropolis is now the site of famous ruins, including the Parthenon. In Greek, the word means “high” (acro) “city” (polis).

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Other Word Forms

• acropolitan adjective

Etymology

Origin of acropolis

From the Greek word akrópolis, dating back to 1655–65. See acro-, -polis

Compare meaning

How does acropolis compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• acropolis vs. Parthenon

Explanation

An ancient Greek settlement built high up on a hill was an acropolis. These areas functioned as forts, religious centers, and ultimately as cultural centers of larger cities. Acropolis is rooted in the Greek roots akros, "highest," and polis, "city." Ancient Greek and Roman cities commonly included an acropolis. In ancient times, the Athenian Acropolis was the city center — and it remains a landmark in modern Athens today, housing the Parthenon and looming over the city from a tall, rocky outcrop.

Example Sentences

Greece maintains the ancient antiquities, also known as the Elgin Marbles, were illegally removed from Athens' acropolis, and has has long called for their return from the museum.

From BBC • Dec. 4, 2024

In the southeast of the island, the small fishing village of Lindos attracts tourists with its hilltop medieval fortress and ancient acropolis.

From Reuters • Jul. 23, 2023

Towns arose around a hill fortress or acropolis to which inhabitants could flee in times of danger.

From Textbooks • Apr. 19, 2023

Harrison’s Cold War vision involved an acropolis of the performing arts, which, to Moses, Rockefeller and their social circles, meant western classical music, musical theater, opera and ballet.

From New York Times • Sep. 29, 2022

A vast promenade, mausoleum, acropolis, planetarium, library, opera house—everything marble and granite, everything profoundly clean.

From "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr