ENGLISH
REFERENCE

lyons

n. countable
B1 Intermediate US //ˈɫaɪənz// lyons

n. a large city in the southeast of France. It is famous for its history and for being a center of French cooking.

n. a major city in east-central France, situated at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. It serves as a significant industrial and gastronomic hub.


SIMPLE

We spent three days exploring the old streets of Lyons.

CONTEXTUAL

Many travelers stop in Lyons to experience the traditional restaurants known as bouchons.

COMPLEX

Historically a center for silk production, Lyons now functions as a vital intersection for European trade and a primary destination for those studying French culinary arts.

Synonyms
Origin

From Old French Lyons (nominative of Lyon), from the Roman name, Latin Lugdūnum (“fort of Lug”), named after Lugus, a Celtic deity, from Proto-Celtic *Lugus.

Usage

Often spelled 'Lyon' in modern English, though the 's' remains common in traditional British English usage.

Pitfall

I am going to the LyonsI am going to LyonsCity names are proper nouns and do not take a definite article.

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