# Birmingham

/ˈbɝmɪŋˌhæm/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. city in England

noun · CEFR A2

a large city in the West Midlands of England, known for its history of industry and diverse culture.

For teachers: a major city and metropolitan borough in the West Midlands, England; historically a centre of the Industrial Revolution and currently the UK's second-largest city.

- Many people travel from London to Birmingham by train for business meetings.
- Birmingham underwent significant urban regeneration in the late twentieth century, transforming its industrial canals into a vibrant cultural and commercial district.

### 2. city in the USA

noun · CEFR B1 · American English

a large city in the state of Alabama, famous for its role in the American civil rights movement.

For teachers: the most populous city in the U.S. state of Alabama, historically significant as a primary site of the American civil rights movement.

- The museum in Birmingham, Alabama, tells the story of the fight for equal rights.
- During the 1960s, Birmingham became a focal point for the civil rights movement, leading to landmark changes in American federal law.

### 3. a surname

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a family name used in English-speaking countries.

For teachers: a habitational surname derived from the English city, identifying a person originally from that location.

- Professor Birmingham wrote a famous book about the history of the region.
- The archival records indicate that the Birmingham family held significant land titles in the county for several generations.

## Examples

- Birmingham is famous for its historic jewelry quarter.
- Many people commute from the surrounding towns into Birmingham for work every morning.
- The redevelopment of Birmingham's city centre has transformed the former industrial landscape into a modern space for retail and international business.

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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.