# Mexico

/ˈmɛksəˌkoʊ/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. the country

noun · CEFR A1

a country in North America that is south of the United States.

For teachers: a federal republic in North America, bordered by the United States to the north and Belize and Guatemala to the southeast.

- Many people travel to Mexico to visit the beautiful beaches and ancient ruins.
- Mexico remains one of the most visited countries in the world, boasting a diverse landscape that ranges from arid deserts to tropical rainforests.

### 2. Mexico City

noun · CEFR B1 · Informal

a short way to say Mexico City, the capital of the country.

For teachers: a common ellipsis for Mexico City, the capital and largest city of the country.

- He is flying into Mexico tomorrow for a business meeting in the capital.
- Although the flight was headed to Mexico, the heavy smog over the valley forced a temporary diversion to a nearby regional airport.

Usage: Often used by locals or frequent travellers when the context of the city is already established.

### 3. State of Mexico

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a specific state inside the country of Mexico, located near the capital.

For teachers: a constituent state of the Mexican federation, formally known as the State of Mexico, which surrounds the capital on three sides.

- The factory is located in Mexico, just outside the border of the capital city.
- The governor of Mexico announced new infrastructure projects aimed at improving transit between the state's industrial hubs and the federal district.

Usage: Usually requires specific context to distinguish it from the country as a whole.

## Examples

- We are planning a vacation to Mexico this winter.
- Many students travel to Mexico during their summer break to study Spanish and explore ancient ruins.
- The cultural heritage of Mexico represents a complex synthesis of indigenous civilizations and Spanish colonial influences, visible today in its architecture, language, and culinary traditions.

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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.