# Pennsylvania

/ˌpɛnsəɫˈveɪnjə/ (US) · CEFR B1 · Noun

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

## Definition

a large state in the northeastern United States. It is famous for its history, including the city of Philadelphia where the country was founded.

For teachers: a state located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. One of the original thirteen colonies, it is historically significant as the site of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

## Examples

- My cousin lives in a small town in Pennsylvania.
- Many tourists visit Pennsylvania every year to see the historic battlefields and the Liberty Bell.
- The industrial heritage of Pennsylvania, particularly its steel and coal production, played a pivotal role in the economic development of the United States during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

## Usage notes

- As a proper noun, it is always capitalized and typically used without an article.

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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.