# Quebec

/kwəˈbɛk/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. Canadian province

noun · CEFR B1

a large province in eastern Canada where the official language is French.

For teachers: a province in eastern Canada, the only one with a predominantly French-speaking population and French as its sole official language.

- Many people in Quebec speak both French and English at home.
- Quebec maintains a unique legal system based on French civil law, distinguishing it from the common law traditions of other Canadian provinces.

### 2. capital city

noun · CEFR B1

the capital city of the province of Quebec, known for its old stone walls.

For teachers: the capital city of the province of Quebec, situated on the Saint Lawrence River.

- We spent the weekend walking through the historic streets of Quebec City.
- Founded in 1608, Quebec remains one of the oldest European settlements in North America and is famous for its fortified colonial core.

### 3. phonetic alphabet

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the word used for the letter 'Q' when speaking clearly over the radio.

For teachers: the code word for the letter Q in the NATO phonetic alphabet.

- The pilot spelled out the flight code: Alpha, Bravo, Quebec.
- To ensure clarity during the emergency broadcast, the operator used the standard phonetic alphabet, identifying the vessel as Tango-Quebec-Four.

Usage: Always capitalized in this context; used primarily in aviation, maritime, and military communications.

## Examples

- I am planning a trip to Quebec this winter.
- Many travelers visit Quebec to experience its European atmosphere and practice their French skills in a North American setting.
- The political history of Quebec is defined by a continuous effort to preserve its linguistic heritage and cultural autonomy within the broader context of North American anglophone dominance.

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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.