What does "province" mean?

1. (administrative region) one of the large areas that some countries are divided into, each with its own local government. 2. (outside the capital) the parts of a country that are not the capital city. 3. (area of expertise) a particular subject or area of activity that someone is responsible for or knows a lot about. 4. (geological region) a large area of land that has the same types of rocks and a similar history. 5. (religious district) an area of a church that is under the control of an archbishop.

How do you use "province"?

Usually used in the plural form 'the provinces'.

province

US //ˈpɹɑvəns// UK //pɹˈɒvɪns// prov·ince

1 administrative region (n.)
B1 Intermediate

one of the large areas that some countries are divided into, each with its own local government.

a principal administrative division of certain countries or empires, such as Canada, China, or ancient Rome.

Example

She grew up in a small town in the province of Ontario.

Example

The federal government allocated additional funding to each province to improve rural healthcare infrastructure and digital connectivity.
2 outside the capital (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the parts of a country that are not the capital city.

the parts of a country outside the national capital, often implying a more traditional or less cosmopolitan lifestyle.

Example

After years of living in London, they decided to move out to the provinces for a quieter life.

Example

While the capital remains the financial hub, much of the country's industrial power is concentrated in the provinces.

Usage

Usually used in the plural form 'the provinces'.
- the regions
- the countryside
- metropolis
- capital

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3 area of expertise (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal

a particular subject or area of activity that someone is responsible for or knows a lot about.

an area of special knowledge, interest, or responsibility; a person's particular domain.

Example

I can help with the budget, but the technical side of the project is Sarah's province.

Example

The dean argued that curriculum development should remain the exclusive province of the faculty rather than the administration.
4 geological region (n.)
C2 Proficiency Technical Science

a large area of land that has the same types of rocks and a similar history.

a spatial entity with common geological attributes, such as a similar suite of rock types or structural features.

Example

The volcanic province contains many ancient lava flows and unique minerals.

Example

Researchers are mapping the igneous province to better understand the tectonic forces that shaped the continent millions of years ago.
- zone
- terrain
5 religious district (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal Religion

an area of a church that is under the control of an archbishop.

a district under the jurisdiction of an archbishop or a high-ranking official in a monastic order.

Example

The archbishop travelled across the province to visit several different churches.

Example

The ecclesiastical province comprises several dioceses, each overseen by a bishop who reports to the metropolitan archbishop.
- diocese
- jurisdiction

Origin

From Middle English provynce, from Anglo-Norman province, Old French province, from Latin prōvincia, seemingly corresponding to prō- and vinciō. Replaced Old English boldġetæl.