# Lancaster

/ˈɫænˌkæstɝ/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lancaster
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Definition

a historic city in the northwest of England, or the name of a famous royal family from English history. You might hear it when people talk about the 'House of Lancaster' and the Wars of the Roses.

For teachers: a city in Lancashire, England, or the royal house that descended from John of Gaunt and ruled England from 1399 to 1461. When referring to the royal dynasty, it is usually preceded by 'the House of'.

## Usage notes

- Usually capitalized as a proper noun; when referring to the royal family, it functions as a collective noun phrase.

---

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.