# Minnesota

/ˌmɪnɪˈsoʊtə/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. US state

noun · CEFR B1

a state in the Upper Midwest region of the United States, famous for having over 10,000 lakes.

For teachers: a state in the Upper Midwest region of the United States, admitted to the Union in 1858.

- My cousin moved to Minnesota last year to start a new job in Minneapolis.
- Minnesota is bordered by Canada to the north and Lake Superior to the northeast, contributing to its distinct maritime and continental climate mix.

### 2. river

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a river in the United States that flows through the state of Minnesota and joins the Mississippi River.

For teachers: a tributary of the Mississippi River, approximately 332 miles long, located in the northern United States.

- The Minnesota flows into the Mississippi River near the cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis.
- The Minnesota River basin drains nearly 15,000 square miles, serving as a vital agricultural artery for the region's fertile plains.

### 3. university

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a common way to refer to the University of Minnesota.

For teachers: a metonymic reference to the University of Minnesota, typically the Twin Cities campus.

- She is hoping to study medicine at Minnesota after she finishes high school.
- After receiving offers from several Big Ten schools, the athlete finally committed to play for Minnesota.

## Examples

- The family spent their summer vacation at a lake in Minnesota.
- Many people move to Minnesota for its high quality of life, despite the famously freezing winter temperatures.
- The cultural identity of Minnesota is deeply influenced by its Scandinavian heritage and its geography, which includes the headwaters of the Mississippi River and over ten thousand lakes.

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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.