the citadel or high fortified area of an ancient Greek city.
the Acropolis, the citadel of Athens and the site of the Parthenon.
From the Greek word akrópolis, dating back to 1655–65. See acro-, -polis
How does acropolis compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
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.
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Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
For the past several years, Anderson has focused on documenting the walls and buildings of Sardis' acropolis, which became an important center during the Byzantine period after Roman rule.
From Science Daily ● Jun. 25, 2026
Greece maintains the ancient antiquities, also known as the Elgin Marbles, were illegally removed from Athens' acropolis, and has has long called for their return from the museum.
From BBC ● Dec. 4, 2024
In the southeast of the island, the small fishing village of Lindos attracts tourists with its hilltop medieval fortress and ancient acropolis.
From Reuters ● Jul. 23, 2023
Towns arose around a hill fortress or acropolis to which inhabitants could flee in times of danger.
From Textbooks ● Apr. 19, 2023
They occupy a massive acropolis with fifteen giant columns atop the only high ground, overlooking the pond.
From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson
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
“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
Air quality has deteriorated in many areas of the country and on Wednesday morning the Acropolis in Athens was no longer visible because of the dust.
From BBC ● Apr. 24, 2024
In our upstairs hallway, the Acropolis night-light is burning, a gift from Jackie Halas, who owns a souvenir shop.
From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
