Word
bristol
Phoneticsbris·tol, stress on the first syllable
/ˈbɹɪstəɫ/
Definitions
01city in England
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. a large city and port in the southwest of England.
n. a city, ceremonial county, and unitary authority in South West England, historically significant as a major port.
“We spent the weekend exploring the historic docks in Bristol.”
“Bristol has transformed from a traditional maritime hub into a vibrant centre for the creative and aerospace industries.”
02thick paper
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Technical
n. a type of strong, smooth, thick paper used for drawing or printing.
n. a heavy-weight, high-quality paperboard with a smooth finish, commonly used for technical drawings and business cards.
“The artist chose a sheet of white Bristol for her ink drawing.”
“The specifications required the brochures to be printed on three-ply Bristol to ensure durability during transit.”
Synonyms
03breasts
C2 · Proficiency Plural noun British English · Slang · Informal
n. a slang word for a woman's breasts.
n. a slang term for breasts, derived from Cockney rhyming slang 'Bristol City'.
“He made a rude joke about her Bristols and she walked away.”
“The tabloid was criticised for its frequent use of dated slang like 'Bristols' when referring to female celebrities.”
Usage
Usually used in the plural form 'Bristols'.
Teaching tip
This is Cockney rhyming slang (Bristol City = titty); it is informal and can be considered vulgar or objectifying.
Etymology
Inherited from Middle English Brigstow, from Old English Bryċġstōw (literally “the place by the bridge”), from bryċġ + -stōw, with additional final /l/ due to hypercorrection from l-vocalizing accents. See bridge and stow for more. The tiddlywinks sense is associated with players from Bristol University.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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