# Hiroshima

/ˌhɪˈɹoʊʃɪmə/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Noun

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

## Definition

a city in Japan that is famous for being the first place where an atomic bomb was used in war. It is now a symbol of peace and memory.

For teachers: a major industrial and port city in Japan, historically significant as the target of the first atomic bombing on August 6, 1945. Often used metonymically to refer to the event itself or the subsequent peace movement.

## Examples

- Many people visit Hiroshima to see the Peace Memorial.
- The delegation traveled to Hiroshima to attend the annual ceremony commemorating the victims of the 1945 bombing.
- The reconstruction of Hiroshima serves as a profound testament to urban resilience and the global commitment to nuclear non-proliferation in the post-war era.

## Usage notes

- When referring to the specific Japanese city, it is a proper noun and always capitalized.

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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.