ENGLISH
REFERENCE

canterbury

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈkæntɝˌbɛɹi// can·ter·bury

n. a historic city in southeast England. It is famous for its very old cathedral and for being the center of the Church of England.

n. a historic cathedral city in Kent, south-east England. It serves as the ecclesiastical seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the primate of the Church of England.


SIMPLE

We are planning a day trip to Canterbury this weekend.

CONTEXTUAL

Thousands of tourists visit Canterbury every year to see the medieval architecture and the famous cathedral.

COMPLEX

The city of Canterbury remains a significant site of pilgrimage and historical study, largely due to its association with Thomas Becket and Geoffrey Chaucer’s literary legacy.

Origin

From Middle English Caunterbury, Canterburi, from Old English Cantwara burg.

Usage

Used as a proper noun; typically does not take an article unless modifying another noun (e.g., 'the Canterbury scene').

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