# Delaware

/ˈdɛɫəˌwɛɹ/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. U.S. state

noun · CEFR B2

a small state in the eastern United States, known for being the first state to join the country.

For teachers: the first state of the United States, located in the Mid-Atlantic region; its capital is Dover.

- Many large companies are officially based in Delaware because of its business laws.
- Delaware was the first of the original thirteen colonies to ratify the Constitution, earning it the nickname 'The First State'.

### 2. river

noun · CEFR B2

a major river in the eastern United States that flows past Philadelphia into the Atlantic Ocean.

For teachers: a significant river in the northeastern United States, forming the border between Pennsylvania and New Jersey before reaching Delaware Bay.

- George Washington famously crossed the Delaware River during the American Revolutionary War.
- The Delaware River serves as a vital waterway for commercial shipping and provides drinking water to millions of residents in the tri-state area.

### 4. language

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the languages spoken by the Lenape people.

For teachers: the Algonquian languages spoken by the Lenape, specifically Munsee and Unami.

- Linguists are working with elders to preserve the Delaware language.
- The Delaware languages are part of the Eastern Algonquian branch and possess a rich oral tradition that scholars continue to document.

## Examples

- Many large companies have their main offices in Delaware.
- The legal team recommended incorporating the new startup in Delaware due to the state's business-friendly laws.
- As the first of the original thirteen colonies to ratify the Constitution, Delaware occupies a unique position in American political history and is often referred to as the First State.

---

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.