martello tower: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

It is named after a similar tower at Cape Mortella in Corsica, which successfully resisted a British naval attack in 1794. The name 'Mortella' was anglicised to 'Martello'.

Many survive around the coastlines of the British Isles (especially SE England, Ireland, and the Channel Islands), Canada (Halifax), South Africa, and several other former British territories. Some are open to the public.

They were a potent deterrent and could defend a stretch of coastline, but they were never fully tested in a large-scale invasion of the British Isles. Their primary value was psychological and as part of a layered defense system.

It often is when referring specifically to the historical type (Martello tower), but it is also commonly found in lowercase (martello tower). Both forms are acceptable.

A small, circular, coastal fortification built primarily by the British Empire in the 19th century for defense against potential naval invasion.

Martello tower is usually formal, historical, architectural in register.

Martello tower: in British English it is pronounced /mɑːˌteləʊ ˈtaʊə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /mɑrˌtɛloʊ ˈtaʊər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.