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

Example Sentences

The Acropolis is closing temporarily on Tuesday as soaring temperatures continue to grip Greece.

From BBC

Changes to the Acropolis' opening hours were announced on Monday after extreme heat returned to Greece on Sunday.

From BBC

Jim knows of what he speaks - last year he found himself onstage at Greece's legendary Acropolis theatre, performing a special James gig with a orchestra and gospel choir.

From BBC

“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

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