A1 noun Neutral #4,413 most common

castle

/ˈkæsəl/

A castle is a large, strong building built in the past by a ruler or important person to protect the people inside from attack. It usually has thick stone walls, high towers, and sometimes a water-filled ditch called a moat.

Examples

3 of 5
1

We visited a beautiful castle during our vacation in Scotland.

We visited a beautiful castle during our vacation in Scotland.

2

The historical society maintains the castle for public tours.

The historical society maintains the castle for public tours.

3

Look at that huge castle on the hill!

Look at that huge castle on the hill!

Word Family

Noun
castle
Verb
castle
Adjective
castled
Related
castellated
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Memory Tip

Imagine a King (K) sitting on a Castle (C) wall. The 't' in the middle of the word is like a hidden sword that is silent so enemies do not hear him.

Quick Quiz

The king and queen live in a large ____.

Correct!

The correct answer is: castle

Examples

1

We visited a beautiful castle during our vacation in Scotland.

everyday

We visited a beautiful castle during our vacation in Scotland.

2

The historical society maintains the castle for public tours.

formal

The historical society maintains the castle for public tours.

3

Look at that huge castle on the hill!

informal

Look at that huge castle on the hill!

4

Castles served as both residential homes and military fortifications in the Middle Ages.

academic

Castles served as both residential homes and military fortifications in the Middle Ages.

5

The company chose a medieval castle for their annual conference.

business

The company chose a medieval castle for their annual conference.

Word Family

Noun
castle
Verb
castle
Adjective
castled
Related
castellated

Common Collocations

medieval castle medieval castle
sand castle sand castle
royal castle royal castle
castle ruins castle ruins
build a castle build a castle

Common Phrases

a man's home is his castle

a person's house is their private place where they can do what they want

castles in the air

dreams or plans that are impossible or unlikely to happen

build sandcastles

to make structures out of sand on a beach

Often Confused With

castle vs palace

A palace is a grand home for royalty, while a castle is built specifically for defense and protection.

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Usage Notes

Use 'castle' when referring to old stone buildings with defenses like walls and towers. In chess, it is also a special move involving the king and the rook.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often forget the 't' is silent (/ˈkæsəl/). Some may call any large old house a 'castle' even if it was not built for defense.

💡

Memory Tip

Imagine a King (K) sitting on a Castle (C) wall. The 't' in the middle of the word is like a hidden sword that is silent so enemies do not hear him.

📖

Word Origin

From the Latin word 'castellum', which means 'a fortified place'.

Grammar Patterns

Plural form: castles It is a countable noun Commonly used with adjectives like 'medieval', 'ancient', or 'ruined'
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Cultural Context

In Europe, castles are iconic landmarks that represent the history of the Middle Ages and are popular tourist destinations.

Quick Quiz

The king and queen live in a large ____.

Correct!

The correct answer is: castle

More Travel words

train

A1

A train is a connected series of vehicles that move along metal tracks to carry people or goods from one place to another. It usually consists of an engine and several carriages or wagons.

taxi

A1

A car with a driver that you pay to take you exactly where you want to go. It usually has a sign on top and a meter inside to calculate the cost of the trip.

subway

A1

A subway is an underground electric railway system used for transporting passengers in a city. It provides a fast way to travel long distances while avoiding street-level traffic.

bicycle

A1

A vehicle with two wheels that you sit on and move by pushing pedals with your feet. It is a popular form of transportation for short distances and a common way to exercise.

motorcycle

A1

A motorcycle is a vehicle with two wheels that is powered by an engine. It is used for fast travel and usually carries one or two people.

backpack

A1

A bag with shoulder straps that allows you to carry items on your back, leaving your hands free. It is commonly used by students for school or by travelers and hikers to carry their belongings.

map

A1

A map is a visual representation or drawing of an area, such as a city, country, or the entire world. It shows physical features like roads, rivers, and landmarks to help people find locations or navigate from one place to another.

passenger

A1

A passenger is a person who travels in a vehicle, such as a car, bus, train, or airplane, but is not driving it or working on it. They usually pay a fare or have a ticket to travel from one place to another.

hostel

A1

A budget-friendly type of accommodation where guests usually rent a bed in a shared room (dormitory) and share common facilities like a kitchen or lounge. It is popular among students, backpackers, and young travelers looking for an affordable way to stay in a city.

reservation

A1

A reservation is an arrangement you make in advance to keep a seat, a table, or a room for yourself. It ensures that you have a place when you arrive at a hotel, restaurant, or on a train.

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