County: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when referring to a specific administrative division within a state or country, often with its own local government. Commonly used in the United States and the United Kingdom.

• He moved from Orange County to Los Angeles County.
• The county fair is a popular event every summer.

Suitable for talking about an area that is defined for specific purposes, such as administrative, educational, or business activities. Often used in urban settings.

• She is the representative for the third congressional district.
• The school district has announced new guidelines for reopening.

Ideal for broader geographical areas that may span several counties or districts. This term can be used for natural, cultural, and economic contexts.

• The wine region is famous for its vineyards.
• They are studying the economic growth of the Southeast region.

Refers to a large area that is under the jurisdiction of a government but is not considered a full-fledged state or country. It can also denote an area controlled by a specific entity, like a business or wildlife management area.

• Puerto Rico is a United States territory.
• The company is expanding its territory into new markets.

Commonly used in English-speaking countries, especially the United States and the United Kingdom, to refer to a regional administrative division within a state or country. A county often has its own local government.

• They live in the next county over.
• The county council will meet next Tuesday.

Refers to the official power to make legal decisions and judgments. It can apply to areas of authority for courts, law enforcement, or administrative regions.

• This court has jurisdiction over all criminal cases in the city.
• The local police have no jurisdiction here.

Typically used to describe a principal administrative division in some countries outside the United States, like Canada or China. A province is larger than a county and is usually governed by a provincial council or similar body.

• Ontario is a province in Canada.
• The province will hold elections next month.

A general term used to describe any division of land within a country or organization established for administrative purposes. It is more formal and less commonly used in everyday conversation.

• The territorial division of the company includes three main regions.
• Historical changes in territorial divisions can affect modern borders.