# Cambridge

/ˈkeɪmbɹɪdʒ/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. city in England

noun · CEFR A2

a city in the east of England, famous for its very old and respected university.

For teachers: a city and local government district in Cambridgeshire, England, internationally recognised as the seat of the University of Cambridge.

- We spent the weekend in Cambridge and went for a boat ride on the river.
- The historic centre of Cambridge is dominated by the college buildings, many of which date back to the Middle Ages.

### 2. the university

noun · CEFR B1

the University of Cambridge, one of the top universities in the world.

For teachers: a metonymic reference to the University of Cambridge as an institution or its academic standards.

- She is hoping to study science at Cambridge next year.
- Securing a place at Cambridge requires not only top grades but also a successful performance in a rigorous interview process.

### 3. city in Massachusetts

noun · CEFR B1 · American English

a city in the United States, near Boston, where Harvard University is located.

For teachers: a city in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States, notable for being the home of Harvard University and MIT.

- Many students live in Cambridge because it is close to their classes at Harvard.
- Cambridge, Massachusetts, has evolved into a global hub for biotechnology and technological innovation due to its proximity to elite research institutions.

## Examples

- She is studying history at Cambridge this year.
- Many tourists visit Cambridge every summer to go punting on the river and see the college buildings.
- The architectural landscape of Cambridge is defined by its medieval colleges, which have fostered centuries of academic excellence and scientific breakthroughs.

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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.