ENGLISH
REFERENCE

luton

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈɫutən// lu·ton

n. a large town in England, located north of London. It is famous for its international airport and its history of making hats.

n. a large town and unitary authority in Bedfordshire, England, situated approximately 30 miles north of London. Historically significant as a centre for the millinery industry and currently a major transport hub.


SIMPLE

I am flying out of Luton tomorrow morning.

CONTEXTUAL

Many commuters choose to live in Luton because it offers more affordable housing while remaining within easy reach of central London.

COMPLEX

The town of Luton underwent significant industrial expansion during the twentieth century, transitioning from a traditional hat-making centre to a hub for automotive manufacturing and international aviation.

Etymology 1

From the name of the River Lea + Old English tūn (“enclosure; settlement, town”). Doublet of Leyton.

Etymology 2

From a clipping of Luton van or Luton body, which incorporate such a part into the design.

Usage

Used as a proper noun; it refers to a specific geographic location and is always capitalised.

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