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Megalopolis: meaning, definitions and examples

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megalopolis

 

[ˌmeɡəˈlɑːplɪs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

urban

A very large, heavily populated city or urban complex, typically an aggregation of several cities and towns.

Synonyms

city, metropolis, urban area.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
megalopolis

A megalopolis is best used when describing an extensive, heavily populated, and densely developed collection of cities or urban areas that have grown together. It typically refers to a region covering multiple metropolitan areas.

  • The Northeast megalopolis in the United States stretches from Boston to Washington D.C.
  • China's Pearl River Delta is one of the largest megalopolises in the world.
metropolis

A metropolis is a large, bustling city that is significant economically, culturally, and politically. It often serves as a central hub for a larger region or country.

  • Paris is a metropolis known for its culture and history.
  • Tokyo is a major metropolis in Japan and a global financial center.
city

Use 'city' for a relatively large town or an urban area with significant population size, infrastructure, and administrative importance. It is commonly used in day-to-day speech.

  • New York City is famous for its skyline.
  • I moved to the city for better job opportunities.
urban area

This term is used to describe a region characterized by high population density and vast human features in comparison to areas surrounding it. It can refer to both cities and large towns as well as the surrounding areas.

  • The urban area around Los Angeles includes several other smaller cities.
  • Public transportation is more efficient in urban areas compared to rural areas.

Examples of usage

  • The megalopolis of Tokyo-Yokohama is one of the most densely populated areas in the world.
  • The Northeast megalopolis in the United States includes cities such as New York, Boston, and Philadelphia.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term combines the Greek words 'megalo,' meaning large, and 'polis,' meaning city.
  • It was first used in the early 20th century to describe urban areas with interconnected cities.
  • In Greek, 'polis' is used in many city names, like 'Indianapolis' or 'Metropolis,' emphasizing urban settlement.

Urban Studies

  • Megalopolises often feature population densities that can exceed 10,000 people per square kilometer, leading to unique social and environmental challenges.
  • Infrastructure in these areas must adapt to manage heavy traffic, public services, and housing needs for millions.
  • Megalopolises can heavily influence national economies, accounting for a majority of jobs and economic activities.

Global Examples

  • The Northeast Corridor in the United States, stretching from Boston to Washington, D.C., is one of the world's most recognized megalopolises.
  • The Tokyo-Yokohama area in Japan is often cited as one of the largest megalopolises, with a population exceeding 37 million.
  • In Europe, the Randstad region in the Netherlands is a megalopolis that connects several major cities, including Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht.

Cultural Impact

  • Megalopolises are often cultural melting pots, where diverse populations bring various traditions, languages, and cuisines together.
  • As centers for innovation, these areas can foster advancements in technology, art, and education due to their dense concentration of talent.
  • Film and literature frequently portray megalopolises as dynamic and vibrant spaces, highlighting their unique energy and challenges.

Environmental Challenges

  • Megalopolises face significant environmental issues, including air pollution, waste management, and urban heat islands due to their dense construction.
  • Efforts to promote sustainable living in these areas include green architecture, public transit, and urban green spaces.
  • Climate change poses additional risks, prompting cities to develop resilience strategies to protect against flooding, heat, and resource shortages.

Translations

Translations of the word "megalopolis" in other languages:

🇵🇹 megalópole

🇮🇳 महानगर

🇩🇪 Megalopolis

🇮🇩 megalopolis

🇺🇦 мегаполіс

🇵🇱 megapolis

🇯🇵 メガロポリス

🇫🇷 mégalopole

🇪🇸 megalópolis

🇹🇷 megapol

🇰🇷 메가로폴리스

🇸🇦 ميغالوبوليس

🇨🇿 megapolis

🇸🇰 megapolis

🇨🇳 大都市

🇸🇮 megapolis

🇮🇸 stórborg

🇰🇿 мегаполис

🇬🇪 მეგაპოლისი

🇦🇿 meqapolis

🇲🇽 megápolis

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,491, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.