ENGLISH
REFERENCE

edinburgh

n. uncountable
A2 Elementary US //ˈɛdənbɝoʊ// ed·in·burgh

n. the capital city of Scotland, located in the northern part of the United Kingdom. It is famous for its old castle, beautiful hills, and a large arts festival.

n. the capital city of Scotland and the seat of the Scottish Parliament. Historically significant as a center of the Scottish Enlightenment, it is characterized by its medieval Old Town and neoclassical New Town.


SIMPLE

We are planning a trip to Edinburgh this summer.

CONTEXTUAL

Many tourists visit Edinburgh in August to experience the world's largest arts festival.

COMPLEX

The skyline of Edinburgh is dominated by the volcanic rock upon which the castle sits, providing a dramatic backdrop to the city's historic architecture.

Origin

From Middle English Edynburgh, from Old Welsh Eidyn, a Celtic/Brythonic region of uncertain origin (possibly a personal name; compare Proto-Celtic *dūnom (“stronghold”)) + Old English burg (“castle, stronghold”). The English name was probably a calque from Old Welsh (cf. Din Eidyn). More at Eidyn and Etymology of Edinburgh.

Usage

As a proper noun, it is almost always used without an article.

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