Castle

/ˈkæs.əl/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A large fortified building or set of buildings, typically of medieval origin, used as a residence by a monarch or noble.
The king welcomed his guests to the grand castle overlooking the valley.
A residence that is similar in size or grandeur to a medieval castle.
She inherited a beautiful castle in the countryside from her grandparents.
A structure resembling a castle, often for defensive purposes, found in various cultures.
The ancient castle ruins attracted many tourists interested in history.
In chess, a piece that moves horizontally or vertically any number of squares.
He captured his opponent's knight with his castle, gaining a strategic advantage.
A large building of any type, often used metaphorically to denote power or grandeur.
After years of hard work, he finally built his dream castle by the sea.

Etymology

From Old French 'castel', from Latin 'castellum', diminutive of 'castrum', meaning fortress.

Common Phrases and Expressions

castle in the air:
A plan or idea that is unrealistic or unattainable.
a castle made of sand:
A temporary or unstable situation.
to search for a castle:
To look for something that is difficult to find.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

To dominate or control a conversation or situation.
He really castles over the meeting.
To mess up or fail at something, often humorously.
I totally castled that test!