# Amherst

/ˈæmɝst/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/amherst
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a town in Massachusetts, USA, known for its famous colleges and for being the home of poet Emily Dickinson.

For teachers: a town in western Massachusetts, notable as a center of higher education and the residence of several prominent American literary figures.

## Examples

- She decided to attend college in Amherst.
- The literary tour includes a visit to the historic house in Amherst where Emily Dickinson wrote her poetry.
- As a quintessential New England college town, Amherst serves as a significant intellectual hub, hosting three major institutions of higher learning within its relatively small geographic borders.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.