# Bradford

/ˈbɹædfɝd/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. a city in England

noun · CEFR B1

a large city in West Yorkshire, England, known for its history in the wool industry.

For teachers: a major city and metropolitan borough in West Yorkshire, England, historically significant as a global centre of textile manufacture.

- Many people travel to Bradford to visit the National Science and Media Museum.
- The industrial heritage of Bradford is still visible in the grand Victorian architecture of Little Germany, where wool merchants once traded their goods.

### 2. a surname

noun · CEFR B2

a common English family name that originally meant 'broad ford'.

For teachers: a habitational surname of Old English origin, derived from locations named for a 'broad ford' across a river.

- The author William Bradford was one of the leaders on the Mayflower ship.
- The Bradford family has lived in this county for generations, maintaining a significant presence in local agricultural history.

### 3. a male first name

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

a traditional male first name, often shortened to 'Brad'.

For teachers: a masculine given name transferred from the surname, most frequently encountered in American English contexts.

- Bradford decided to go by his nickname, Brad, when he started university.
- Bradford was named after his grandfather, following a long-standing tradition of using family surnames as first names.

## Examples

- I am taking the train to Bradford tomorrow morning.
- Many people visit Bradford to see the National Science and Media Museum or to enjoy the city's famous curry houses.
- The architectural landscape of Bradford reflects its Victorian prosperity, with grand sandstone buildings like St George's Hall standing as a testament to its history as the wool capital of the world.

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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.