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Kremlin

American  
[krem-lin] / ˈkrɛm lɪn /

noun

  1. the Kremlin,

    1. the executive branch of the government of Russia or of the Soviet Union, especially in regard to its foreign affairs.

    2. the citadel of Moscow, including within its walls the chief offices of the Russian and, formerly, of the Soviet government.


Kremlin 1 British  
/ ˈkrɛmlɪn /

noun

  1. the 12th-century citadel in Moscow, containing the former Imperial Palace, three Cathedrals, and the offices of the Russian government

  2. (formerly) the central government of the Soviet Union

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

kremlin 2 British  
/ ˈkrɛmlɪn /

noun

  1. the citadel of any Russian city

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Kremlin Cultural  
  1. A fortress in central Moscow that contains the central offices of the government of Russia and, formerly, the offices of the Soviet Union.


Discover More

The term Kremlin was also used figuratively to mean the former Soviet government.

Etymology

Origin of Kremlin

First recorded in 1655–65; earlier Kremelien, from German (now obsolete), from Old Russian kremlĭnŭ (unrecorded), derivative of kremlĭ “citadel” (modern Russian kremlʾ ), of disputed origin; perhaps akin to Old Russian Kromŭ, the citadel of Pskov, Ukrainian króma “partition,” Russian kromá, krómka “edge, border”; alternatively, perhaps of Turkic origin, akin to Turkish kermen “castle”

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

These materials, including a film titled “Why the Kremlin Hates Bananas,” circulated thanks to sympathetic media outlets and members of Congress.

From Salon

The communication line between Downing Street and the Kremlin has been closed since Russia's offensive.

From Barron's

Russia’s Embassy in Mexico City is one of the Kremlin’s largest, as measured by number of personnel.

From The Wall Street Journal

Russia would review its position on the ongoing peace negotiations as a result of the alleged incident, the Kremlin said.

From BBC

Kaja Kallas' comments on social media appear to be a reference to the Kremlin's allegation that Ukraine attempted a drone strike on one of Vladimir Putin's residences.

From BBC