# Iran

/ˌaɪˈɹæn/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. the country

noun · CEFR A2

a country in West Asia. Its capital city is Tehran.

For teachers: a sovereign state in West Asia, bordered by Iraq, Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

- Many people visit Iran to see the beautiful ancient ruins in Persepolis.
- Iran occupies a strategic position in West Asia, serving as a cultural and economic bridge between the Middle East and Central Asia.

### 2. the cultural region

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

the wider area where Iranian people and their culture have lived for a long time.

For teachers: the historical and cultural regions inhabited by Iranian peoples, often extending beyond the borders of the modern state.

- The poet wrote about the legends and history of the land of Iran.
- In classical literature, the term Iran often encompasses a vast territory defined by shared linguistic and Zoroastrian heritage rather than political boundaries.

## Examples

- Tehran is the capital city of Iran.
- Many travelers visit Iran to see the ancient ruins of Persepolis and experience the famous local hospitality.
- The geopolitical significance of Iran is shaped by its vast energy reserves and its strategic position between the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf.

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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.