# Michigan

/ˈmɪʃɪɡən/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. U.S. state

noun · CEFR B1

a state in the Midwestern United States, made of two large pieces of land surrounded by the Great Lakes.

For teachers: a state in the Great Lakes region of the upper Midwestern United States, consisting of two peninsulas.

- Detroit is the largest city in Michigan and is famous for making cars.
- The automotive industry has historically been the backbone of Michigan's economy, centered primarily in the Detroit metropolitan area.

### 2. Lake Michigan

noun · CEFR B1

one of the five Great Lakes of North America, located entirely within the United States.

For teachers: one of the five Great Lakes of North America and the only one located entirely within the United States.

- We spent our summer holiday swimming in the clear waters of Lake Michigan.
- Lake Michigan provides a vital transport route and a significant moderating influence on the climate of the surrounding coastal regions.

### 3. University of Michigan

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a short way to refer to the University of Michigan, a famous school in Ann Arbor.

For teachers: a common ellipsis for the University of Michigan, a prominent public research university.

- She is hoping to get into Michigan to study engineering next year.
- Securing a faculty position at Michigan is highly competitive due to the institution's global reputation for academic excellence.

### 4. ice hockey move

noun · CEFR C2 · Informal · Technical

a clever move in ice hockey where a player lifts the puck on their stick and throws it into the goal.

For teachers: a specific ice hockey maneuver, also known as a lacrosse-style goal, where a player behind the net lifts the puck onto the blade of their stick.

- The crowd went wild when the young player successfully pulled off a Michigan.
- Executing a Michigan requires exceptional hand-eye coordination and blade control, often catching goaltenders completely off guard.

## Examples

- Michigan is famous for its beautiful lakes and cold winters.
- Many people travel to northern Michigan in the summer to enjoy the scenic beaches and hiking trails.
- The automotive industry remains a cornerstone of the economy in Michigan, particularly in the Detroit metropolitan area where major manufacturers maintain their global headquarters.

---

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.