# Croydon

CEFR C2 · Noun

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

## Definition

a large town in South London. It is known for its tall buildings and for being a major business and shopping area.

For teachers: a large, historically significant town and borough in South London, England. Often cited in urban studies as a major metropolitan centre outside the central London core.

## Examples

- I am taking the train to Croydon this afternoon.
- Many people choose to live in Croydon because it offers faster rail links to central London than many inner-city suburbs.
- The post-war redevelopment of Croydon transformed its skyline with high-rise office blocks, reflecting a mid-century ambition to create a secondary commercial hub for the capital.

## Usage notes

- Typically used as a proper noun to refer to the specific London borough; when used as a common noun, it refers to the administrative district.

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