# oxford

/ˈɑksfɝd/ (US) · /ˈɒksfəd/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. the city or university

noun · CEFR A2

a famous city in England that is home to one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world.

For teachers: a city in Oxfordshire, England, primarily known as the seat of the University of Oxford.

- She spent three years studying history at Oxford.
- The city of Oxford is renowned for its 'dreaming spires' and a collegiate system that has educated world leaders for centuries.

### 2. a type of shoe

noun · CEFR B2

a formal, low-heeled shoe that fastens with laces.

For teachers: a style of low-heeled lace-up shoe characterized by an 'closed' lacing system where the eyelet tabs are stitched under the vamp.

- He wore a pair of polished black oxfords with his suit for the wedding.
- While loafers are acceptable for business casual, a formal dark suit typically requires a well-maintained pair of leather oxfords.

### 3. fabric or shirt

noun · CEFR B2

a type of strong cotton cloth used to make shirts, or a shirt made from this cloth.

For teachers: a durable, basket-weave cotton fabric; frequently used as an ellipsis for an 'Oxford shirt', characterized by a button-down collar.

- A blue oxford is a classic choice for a professional but relaxed look.
- The designer chose a heavy-gauge oxford for the autumn collection to ensure the shirts would hold their shape throughout a long workday.

### 4. a dictionary

noun · CEFR B1 · Informal

a dictionary published by the Oxford University Press.

For teachers: a common metonym for the Oxford English Dictionary or other reference works published by the Oxford University Press.

- If you aren't sure how to spell that word, check the Oxford.
- Scholars often consult the Oxford for historical etymologies that other contemporary dictionaries might omit.

## Examples

- She is studying history at Oxford.
- The professor spent three years in Oxford researching medieval manuscripts at the Bodleian Library.
- While the city of Oxford is synonymous with academic excellence, it also serves as a major hub for the British automotive industry and high-tech research firms.

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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.