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.

---

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)

---

Belfast Cultural  

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

---

Discover More

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

Example Sentences

Elle magazine dubbed González “Fashion’s Favorite New Artist,” while exhibitions in Rome, Paris, Belfast and Bilbao, Spain, expanded her reputation across Europe.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 19, 2026

"I've been living in Belfast for the past six years, I came here as a student and I studied well, I got my job," Mohammed said.

From BBC • Jun. 17, 2026

In Belfast itself, local communities have gathered en masse to support their immigrant neighbors, whether by hiding them from roving mobs or raising money to repair their homes and businesses.

From Slate • Jun. 15, 2026

Many others are putting their money back into their homes and communities, or taking to the streets to organize anti-racist counterprotests, rallying thousands of Belfast residents with them.

From Slate • Jun. 15, 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