# Paris

/ˈpæɹɪs/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. city in France

noun · CEFR A1

the capital and largest city of France, famous for its art and history.

For teachers: the capital and most populous city of France, located on the river Seine.

- We spent three days in Paris visiting the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.
- Paris remains a global hub for fashion, gastronomy, and culture, attracting millions of international tourists to its historic arrondissements every year.

### 2. the French government

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

a way to talk about the government of France.

For teachers: a metonym for the central government of France.

- Paris decided to change the law regarding retirement age.
- The diplomatic cable suggested that Paris was unlikely to support the new trade agreement without significant concessions on agricultural subsidies.

### 3. Greek mythology

noun · CEFR B2 · Literary

a prince from the ancient city of Troy who took Helen away, starting a famous war.

For teachers: the son of King Priam and Queen Hecuba of Troy, whose elopement with Helen of Sparta precipitated the Trojan War.

- In the old stories, Paris was the one who shot Achilles in the heel.
- The judgment of Paris is a classic motif in Western art, depicting the moment the prince chooses Aphrodite over Hera and Athena.

### 4. a surname

noun · CEFR B1

a family name used by people in English and French-speaking countries.

For teachers: a surname of multiple origins, including habitational roots from the French city or patronymic roots from the name Patricius.

- The author of the book is a woman named Sarah Paris.
- The Paris family has lived in this region for generations, though their ancestors originally migrated from northern France.

## Examples

- I want to visit Paris next summer.
- Paris attracts millions of tourists every year who come to see the Louvre and walk along the Seine.
- As a primary hub of the European Enlightenment, Paris remains a significant site for international diplomacy and serves as the headquarters for several major global organisations.

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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.