Belfast

American  

[bel-fast, -fahst, bel-fast, -fahst] / ˈbɛl fæst, -fɑst, bɛlˈfæst, -ˈfɑst /

noun

1. a seaport in and capital of Northern Ireland, on the E coast.

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Belfast British  

/ ˈbɛlfɑːst, bɛlˈfɑːst /

noun

1. the capital of Northern Ireland, a port on Belfast Lough in Belfast district, Co Antrim and Co Down: became the centre of Irish Protestantism and of the linen industry in the 17th century; seat of the Northern Ireland assembly and executive. Pop: 276 459 (2001)

2. a district of W Northern Ireland, in Co Antrim and Co Down. Pop: 271 596 (2003 est). Area: 115 sq km (44 sq miles)

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Belfast Cultural  

1. Capital, largest city, and major port of Northern Ireland.

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Discover More

For centuries the city has been the site of violent conflict between Protestant and Roman Catholic residents.

Example Sentences

The race got under way at the Stormont estate in east Belfast.

From BBC • May 3, 2026

The performer is also due to perform shows at Belfast, Liverpool, Sheffield and Leeds.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

A 66-year-old man has appeared before a court charged over the explosion at Dunmurry Police Station, on the outskirts of Belfast, last Saturday.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

Parts of the act were later ruled unlawful by the High Court in Belfast increasing pressure on the government to change it.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

Why don’t you go up to Belfast and see what the Orangemen will do for you, ah?

From "Angela's Ashes: A Memoir" by Frank McCourt