Township: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is mostly used in the United States and South Africa to describe a subdivision of a county or a small city or town. It can refer to either a rural area or a small town, depending on the country.

• She grew up in a small township outside of the city.
• The township council is responsible for road maintenance.

This term refers to an area marked out for administrative purposes. It can be used both in urban and rural settings and often signifies a division within a larger city or region that has specific administrative, political, or educational functions.

• The school district decided to close the schools due to the snowstorm.
• He works in the financial district of the city.

This term is most commonly used in Louisiana in the United States, where it serves as the equivalent of a 'county'. It also has strong religious connotations, referring to a local church community.

• She was baptized in the local parish church.
• The relief efforts will be coordinated through the parish offices.

Typically used to denote a city or town that has its own local government. It is a formal term often used in legal or administrative contexts.

• The municipality is planning to upgrade the public transportation system.
• A crowd gathered outside the municipality building to protest.

A term often used in South Africa to describe underdeveloped urban living areas that were historically reserved for non-whites during apartheid. It also can refer to administrative divisions in some countries.

• The government is investing in township infrastructure.
• Many residents of the township commute to the city for work.

Refers to a place where people establish a community. It can refer to new communities in previously uninhabited areas, or to communities established by immigrants.

• The settlers established a new settlement in the valley.
• Authorities are discussing the potential for new settlements on the outskirts of the city.

A term for an area where the homes are made from materials like cardboard, tin, and plastic sheeting, usually reflecting extreme poverty.

• The shanty town grew rapidly as more people moved to the city seeking jobs.
• Living conditions in the shanty town are very poor.

A term with a negative connotation used to describe a part of a city, especially a slum area, where minority groups live, often in poor conditions.

• Many families in the ghetto struggle with poverty.
• The neighborhood was referred to as a ghetto due to its rundown buildings.