# Spain

/ˈspeɪn/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. the country

noun · CEFR A1

a large country in Southern Europe next to Portugal and France.

For teachers: a nation-state in Southern Europe; a member of the European Union located on the Iberian Peninsula.

- We are planning to spend two weeks in Spain this summer.
- The constitutional monarchy of Spain is divided into seventeen autonomous communities, each with its own distinct cultural and linguistic heritage.

### 2. a surname

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal

a family name used in English-speaking countries.

For teachers: an English surname of habitational origin, originally referring to a person from Spain or of Spanish descent.

- Mr. Spain joined the company as a senior consultant last year.
- Genealogical records indicate that the Spain family settled in this region during the late seventeenth century.

## Examples

- We are planning to visit Spain next summer.
- Many people move to southern Spain to enjoy the Mediterranean climate and the relaxed pace of life.
- The constitutional monarchy of Spain is divided into seventeen autonomous communities, each possessing its own unique cultural heritage and varying degrees of administrative self-governance.

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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.