Town: meaning, definitions and examples

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town

 

[ taสŠn ]

Context #1 | Noun

in a city

A town is a place with a smaller population than a city. It is usually smaller in size and has a more close-knit community. Towns often have a main street with shops and restaurants.

Synonyms

hamlet, settlement, village.

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Word Description / Examples
town

This word is used for a populated area that is larger than a village but smaller than a city. It typically has its own local government and more facilities like schools, shops, and public services.

  • The town has a beautiful central square
  • They moved to a new town for better job opportunities
village

A village is larger than a hamlet but smaller than a town; it often has more amenities, including a church, a school, and some shops. It suggests a rural community with a close-knit population.

  • The village is famous for its annual festival
  • After retiring, they moved to a peaceful village
settlement

Used to describe any place where people establish a community. It can vary widely in size and facilities but often implies a relatively new or developing area.

  • The pioneers established a settlement by the river
  • Archaeologists discovered an ancient settlement in the valley
hamlet

This term refers to a very small settlement, often with only a few houses and possibly without its own church or facilities. It's smaller than a village and conveys a sense of rural simplicity.

  • They live in a quiet hamlet surrounded by forests
  • The hamlet lacks basic amenities, making it ideal for a peaceful retreat

Examples of usage

  • There is a charming town square in the center of the town.
  • The town hall is where the local government offices are located.
  • The town is known for its annual festival celebrating the harvest.
Context #2 | Noun

in a general sense

Town can also refer to any urban area, regardless of size. It is often used to describe a place where people live, work, and socialize.

Synonyms

city, metropolis, urban area.

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Word Description / Examples
town

A town is a moderately sized human settlement that is larger than a village but smaller than a city. It is often characterized by having local government and providing various services to its residents.

  • She grew up in a small town where everyone knew each other.
  • The town council has approved the new community center.
city

A city is a large, densely populated urban area that is typically a significant economic, cultural, and political center. Cities often have well-developed infrastructure and many services.

  • New York City is famous for its skyscrapers and vibrant arts scene.
  • Living in the city can be both exciting and stressful.
metropolis

A metropolis is a very large and significant city, often the central city in a large metropolitan area. It is a hub of economic, political, and cultural activities and typically features extensive infrastructure.

  • Tokyo is a bustling metropolis known for its advanced technology and fast-paced lifestyle.
  • The metropolis stayed vibrant throughout the night with its endless entertainment options.
urban area

An urban area refers to a region characterized by high population density and vast human features in comparison to areas surrounding it. This term is used broadly to describe cities, towns, and suburban areas collectively.

  • Public transportation is often more accessible in an urban area.
  • They moved to an urban area to take advantage of better job opportunities and amenities.

Examples of usage

  • She moved to a small town in the countryside.
  • The town was bustling with activity on a Saturday afternoon.

Translations

Translations of the word "town" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น cidade

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคถเคนเคฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Stadt

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ kota

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะผั–ัั‚ะพ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ miasto

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็”บ (ใพใก)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท ville

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ ciudad

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท kasaba

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋„์‹œ (๋„์‹œ)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุฏูŠู†ุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mฤ›sto

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ mesto

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅŸŽ้•‡ (chรฉngzhรจn)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ mesto

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ bรฆr

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›ะฐะปะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฅแƒแƒšแƒแƒฅแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ลŸษ™hษ™r

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ ciudad

Etymology

The word 'town' originated from the Old English word 'tun,' which meant an enclosed piece of land or a farm. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to a populated area smaller than a city. Towns have played a significant role in human settlement patterns and urban development throughout history.

See also: tow, toward, tower, undertow.

Word Frequency Rank

At #557 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.