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• acropolis
  acropolis

  noun

  the citadel or high fortified area of an ancient Greek city.
• Acropolis
  Acropolis

  noun

  the citadel of Athens on which the Parthenon and the Erechtheum stand

acropolis

American  

[uh-krop-uh-lis] / əˈkrɒp ə lɪs /

noun

1. the citadel or high fortified area of an ancient Greek city.

2. the Acropolis, the citadel of Athens and the site of the Parthenon.

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Acropolis ¹ British  

/ əˈkrɒpəlɪs /

noun

1. the citadel of Athens on which the Parthenon and the Erechtheum stand

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acropolis ² British  

/ əˈkrɒpəlɪs /

noun

1. the citadel of an ancient Greek city

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Acropolis Cultural  

1. The fortified high point of ancient Athens (see also Athens). Once the center of Athenian life, the Acropolis is now the site of famous ruins, including the Parthenon. In Greek, the word means “high” (acro) “city” (polis).

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Other Word Forms

• acropolitan
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of acropolis

From the Greek word akrópolis, dating back to 1655–65. See acro-, -polis

Compare meaning

How does acropolis compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• acropolis vs. Parthenon

Explanation

An ancient Greek settlement built high up on a hill was an acropolis. These areas functioned as forts, religious centers, and ultimately as cultural centers of larger cities. Acropolis is rooted in the Greek roots akros, "highest," and polis, "city." Ancient Greek and Roman cities commonly included an acropolis. In ancient times, the Athenian Acropolis was the city center — and it remains a landmark in modern Athens today, housing the Parthenon and looming over the city from a tall, rocky outcrop.

Example Sentences

It is possible the consulting industry shrinks, says Achtmeyer, the chairman at Acropolis Advisors.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026

Pricing based on age is commonplace in Europe, with access for under-18s free at places such as the Acropolis in Athens, the Prado in Madrid or the Colosseum in Rome to encourage them to visit.

From Barron's • Jan. 13, 2026

Jim knows of what he speaks - last year he found himself onstage at Greece's legendary Acropolis theatre, performing a special James gig with a orchestra and gospel choir.

From BBC • May 2, 2025

“What the Acropolis was to Ancient Greece during her Golden Age, the new Civic Center now being hewn from the shabby slopes of Bunker Hill will be to Los Angeles,” The Times wrote in 1957.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 13, 2024

The black sail was seen by his father, King Aegeus, from the Acropolis, where for days he had watched the sea with straining eyes.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton