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Megacity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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megacity

[หˆmษ›ษกษ™หŒsษชti ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

urban geography

A megacity is a very large city with a population of over ten million people. Megacities often have significant economic, political, and cultural influence both locally and internationally. They face unique challenges, including overcrowding, pollution, and infrastructure strain.

Synonyms

megapolis, metropolis, supercity.

Examples of usage

  • Tokyo is the largest megacity in the world.
  • Many megacities struggle with public transportation issues.
  • Urban planning is crucial for the sustainability of megacities.
  • In megacities, the cost of living can be extremely high.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Global Population

  • More than 30 megacities exist worldwide, with cities like Tokyo, Delhi, and Shanghai being the largest.
  • Over 500 million people live in megacities, which reflects a significant trend of urbanization and migration from rural areas.

Environmental Impact

  • Megacities face unique challenges, such as pollution and waste management, due to their massive populations.
  • Rapid urbanization in megacities can lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation.

Cultural Significance

  • Megacities are often cultural melting pots, where diverse communities coexist, leading to a rich blend of traditions, food, and languages.
  • Many global cultural icons, such as fashion, music, and art, originate from megacities, influencing global trends.

Infrastructure Challenges

  • Transportation networks in megacities must accommodate millions, leading to projects like subways and high-speed trains to manage traffic.
  • Housing is a critical issue; megacities often face shortages, leading to overcrowded living conditions like slums.

Origin of 'megacity'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'megacity' combines the Greek prefix 'mega-', meaning 'great' or 'large', with 'city', highlighting the city's size.
  • First used in the 1960s, this term has gained popularity as urban areas grow rapidly.

The term 'megacity' is derived from the Greek prefix 'mega-', meaning 'great' or 'large', combined with the English word 'city'. It started to gain popularity in the late 20th century as urbanization accelerated and new cities emerged with populations exceeding ten million. The concept reflects the changing dynamics of population distribution, where large cities increasingly attract people from rural areas and smaller towns due to opportunities in employment, education, and lifestyle. As of the early 21st century, the number of megacities has grown significantly, especially in developing countries, leading to discussions around urban planning, sustainability, and the challenges that come with rapid urban growth.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,871, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.