castle
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 5We visited a beautiful castle during our vacation in Scotland.
We visited a beautiful castle during our vacation in Scotland.
The historical society maintains the castle for public tours.
The historical society maintains the castle for public tours.
Look at that huge castle on the hill!
Look at that huge castle on the hill!
Word Family
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
We visited a beautiful castle during our vacation in Scotland.
everydayWe visited a beautiful castle during our vacation in Scotland.
The historical society maintains the castle for public tours.
formalThe historical society maintains the castle for public tours.
Look at that huge castle on the hill!
informalLook at that huge castle on the hill!
Castles served as both residential homes and military fortifications in the Middle Ages.
academicCastles served as both residential homes and military fortifications in the Middle Ages.
The company chose a medieval castle for their annual conference.
businessThe company chose a medieval castle for their annual conference.
Word Family
Common Collocations
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
A palace is a grand home for royalty, while a castle is built specifically for defense and protection.
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
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
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
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