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Canton: meaning, definitions and examples

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canton

 

[ ˈkΓ¦n.tΙ™n ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

geographical area

A canton is a territorial division of a country, particularly used in Switzerland where it refers to the member states of the Swiss Confederation. Each canton has its own constitution and government to manage local affairs.

Synonyms

district, province, region

Examples of usage

  • Switzerland is divided into 26 cantons.
  • The canton of Geneva is well-known for its international organizations.
  • Each canton in Switzerland has a unique culture and dialect.
Context #2 | Noun

historical

Canton can also refer to a small state or community, particularly in the context of certain historical regions in Europe or Asia. It signifies a lesser administrative division than a province.

Synonyms

county, municipality

Examples of usage

  • In medieval times, there were various cantons that governed themselves.
  • Some regions had cantons that operated independently from larger nations.
  • The concept of a canton can also be traced back to feudal systems.

Word origin

The word 'canton' originates from the Late Latin 'cantō', meaning 'corner' or 'angle', which itself is derived from the Latin 'cantus' meaning 'a song' or 'a chant'. The evolution of the word reflects its association with divisions or sectors, initially used to describe corners or sections of land in the context of governance. The term became prominent in Swiss politics in the 19th century, as the modern structure of the Swiss Confederation recognized the cantons as sovereign entities with their own rights and responsibilities. Over time, the concept of a canton has been adopted in other countries to indicate similar administrative divisions, embodying a sense of local governance and community.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,213, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.