Palace: meaning, definitions and examples

A palace is a grand and luxurious residence typically used by royalty or important dignitaries. It is usually very large and elaborate, often located in a city.

• The king held a lavish banquet in the palace
• Buckingham Palace is one of the most famous residences in the world

A castle is a large, fortified building or set of buildings, often from the medieval period. It is typically designed for defense in times of war, with thick walls, towers, and moats.

• The knights defended the castle from invaders
• They explored the ancient ruins of the medieval castle

A mansion is a large, impressive house, often owned by wealthy individuals. While similar in opulence to a palace, it is typically more modern and not associated with royalty.

• The celebrity hosted a charity event in her mansion
• After becoming a millionaire, he bought a sprawling mansion in the suburbs

A chateau is a large French country house or estate, often associated with vineyards or large farms. It tends to have an elegant, stately appearance and can function as a secondary home for the wealthy.

• They spent the summer vacationing at a chateau in the French countryside
• The wine from the chateau's vineyard is world-renowned

A palace is typically a large and grand building that is the official residence of a monarch, bishop, or other high-ranking dignitary. It conveys a sense of opulence and grandeur.

• The queen's palace is known for its extravagant gardens and stunning architecture

A mansion is a large and impressive house, typically more luxurious than the average home. It conveys a sense of wealth without necessarily implying historical or feudal associations.

• The celebrity bought a mansion overlooking the ocean, complete with a private cinema and tennis courts

An estate generally refers to a large area of land with a grand house and other buildings on it. It can be used to discuss property ownership and often includes both the land and the buildings.

• The businessman owns a vast estate that includes vineyards and a private lake

A manor is historically a large country house that is the center of a manor system, a feudal lord's large house. It typically implies historical and sometimes rural associations.

• The old manor has been converted into a luxurious bed-and-breakfast