What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
castle
Example
The castle stood tall on top of the hill, overlooking the village. [castle: noun]
Example
They visited the castle and marveled at its impressive architecture. [castle: noun]
citadel
Example
The citadel was strategically located on a hill, providing a vantage point for surveillance. [citadel: noun]
Example
The soldiers defended the citadel against enemy attacks. [citadel: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Castle is a more common word and is widely used in everyday language, especially when referring to historical buildings or fairy tales. Citadel is less common and is often used in more specific contexts related to military or historical discussions.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between castle and citadel?
Both castle and citadel can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, castle is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations, making it slightly more informal compared to citadel, which is more specific and often associated with formal or technical discussions.