Martello tower

or martello tower

[ mahr-tel-oh ]

noun

, Fortification.

1. a circular, towerlike fort with guns on the top.

Martello tower

/ mɑːˈtɛləʊ /

noun

1. a small circular tower for coastal defence, formerly much used in Europe

Word History and Origins

Origin of Martello tower¹

Named after Cape Mortella, Corsica, where a tower of this kind was taken by British forces in 1794

Word History and Origins

Origin of Martello tower¹

C18: after Cape Mortella in Corsica, where the British navy captured a tower of this type in 1794

Example Sentences

Anyhow, Petit Bot is the most secret and intimate of the three, and entirely picturesque with its disused mill and martello tower.

From Project Gutenberg

The town was soon in flames, the shipping in the harbour sank, and the martello tower was blown to pieces.

From Project Gutenberg

In an hour, a motley cortege slowly left the door of the martello tower.

From Project Gutenberg

Before Hardwicke was dressed, he had extorted the secret of the rendezvous at the old Martello tower.

From Project Gutenberg

Magdalen drew her hand from the captain's arm, and led the way to the mound of the martello tower.

From Project Gutenberg