English Reference
noun · adjective

midland

n. · adj.
US /ˈmɪdˌɫænd/ UK /mˈɪdlənd/ mid·land

  1. 01 C1 Advanced Literary

    n.the middle part of a country that is far from the sea or the borders.

    n.the interior part of a country or region, situated away from the coast or boundaries.

    Simple

    The travelers moved away from the coast and deep into the midland.

    In context

    As the expedition pushed further into the midland, the humid coastal air gave way to the dry, arid heat of the continental interior.

    Usage

    Often used in the singular with 'the'.

    interiorheartlandmidsection
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate British English

    n.the central part of England, known for its history of industry.

    n.the central region of England, traditionally encompassing the counties between the North and the South.

    Simple

    Many large factories were built in the midland during the industrial revolution.

    In context

    The midland remains a vital hub for the UK's automotive industry, connecting the northern manufacturing centers with southern markets.

    Teacher's tip

    In modern British English, the plural form 'the Midlands' is much more common than the singular 'midland' when referring to this region.

    the midlands
  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal

    adj.describing something that comes from or belongs to the middle part of a country.

    adj.pertaining to the interior or central part of a country or specific region.

    Simple

    The midland tribes had different customs than the people living by the sea.

    In context

    The report highlighted the economic disparities between the prosperous coastal cities and the struggling midland agricultural communities.

  4. 04 C2 Proficiency American EnglishTechnical

    adj.relating to a specific way of speaking English in the central United States.

    adj.relating to the Midland American English dialect, spoken in a broad belt across the central United States.

    Simple

    He has a typical midland accent that is common in parts of Ohio and Indiana.

    In context

    Linguists often distinguish the North Midland dialect from the South Midland based on specific vowel shifts and lexical choices.

The extreme heat warning will be in force until 23:59 BST across Eastern England, London and the south-east, the Midlands, north-west England, south-west England and parts of Yorkshire and Humber.

BBC News· 13 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated