# Kansas

/ˈkænzəs/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. US state

noun · CEFR B1

a state in the central United States known for growing wheat and its flat plains.

For teachers: a state located in the Midwestern United States, bordered by Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Colorado.

- Many people drive through Kansas when they travel across the United States.
- The economy of Kansas is heavily dependent on its agricultural output, particularly its status as a leading producer of wheat and sunflowers.

### 2. the river

noun · CEFR C1 · American English

a river in the northeastern part of the state of Kansas.

For teachers: a river in northeastern Kansas, also known as the Kaw, which is a major tributary of the Missouri River.

- The city of Topeka was built along the banks of the Kansas.
- Environmental groups have worked for decades to improve the water quality of the Kansas, which serves as a vital resource for the region.

### 3. the university

noun · CEFR B2 · American English · Informal

a short way to say the University of Kansas.

For teachers: a common ellipsis referring to the University of Kansas, particularly in the context of collegiate sports.

- He is a huge fan of Kansas and never misses a basketball game.
- After winning the national championship, Kansas saw a significant increase in undergraduate applications from across the country.

## Examples

- Kansas produces more wheat than almost any other state.
- The family drove across the flat plains of Kansas during their summer road trip to the mountains.
- The historical significance of Kansas is often tied to its central role in the westward expansion of the United States and its early struggles over the abolition of slavery.

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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.