# Carolina

/ˌkɛɹəˈɫaɪnə/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. U.S. states

noun · CEFR A2 · American English

one of two states in the southeastern United States: North Carolina or South Carolina.

For teachers: a geographical region in the southeastern United States comprising the states of North Carolina and South Carolina.

- They are planning a road trip through Carolina to see the mountains.
- The coastal regions of Carolina are frequently impacted by tropical storms during the late summer months.

Usage: Often used in the plural 'the Carolinas' to refer to both states together.

### 2. a person's name

noun · CEFR B1

a female given name.

For teachers: a female personal name, representing the Latinate form of Caroline.

- Carolina is the new manager of the sales department.
- The biography of Carolina Maria de Jesus provides a harrowing account of life in a Brazilian favela.

### 3. UNC Chapel Hill

noun · CEFR B2 · American English · Informal

a common way to refer to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

For teachers: a metonym for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, particularly in the context of collegiate athletics.

- He was accepted to Carolina for his undergraduate degree.
- The rivalry between Carolina and Duke is one of the most storied traditions in college basketball.

Usage: Typically used without an article when referring to the institution.

## Examples

- She is moving to Carolina to start a new job.
- The coastal areas of Carolina are famous for their beautiful beaches and historic lighthouses.
- The distinct culinary traditions of the Carolina region, particularly regarding barbecue styles, reflect a complex history of migration and agricultural development.

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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.