acropolis

[uh-krop-uh-lis]

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.

Acropolis

¹

/ əˈkrɒpəlɪs /

noun

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

acropolis

²

/ əˈkrɒpəlɪs /

noun

1. the citadel of an ancient Greek city

Acropolis

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).

Other Word Forms

• acropolitan adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Acropolis¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of Acropolis¹

C17: from Greek, from _acro- + polis city