# Chicago

/ʃɪˈkɑˌɡoʊ/ (US) · CEFR A2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/chicago
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

a major city in the United States located in the state of Illinois. It sits on the shore of Lake Michigan and is famous for its tall buildings and cold winters.

For teachers: a major metropolitan city in the Midwestern United States, situated on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan. It serves as a global hub for finance, culture, and industry.

## Examples

- Chicago is famous for its deep-dish pizza.
- Many travelers visit Chicago in the summer to enjoy the parks and lakefront activities.
- As a primary architectural center, Chicago features a skyline defined by pioneering skyscrapers that reflect the city's historical role in modern urban design.

## Usage notes

- Proper noun; typically used without an article unless referring to a specific historical era or aspect of the city.

---

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.