# Spokane

/spoʊˈkæn/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

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

## Definition

a city in the state of Washington in the United States. It is known for its river and waterfalls in the middle of the city.

For teachers: a major city in eastern Washington, United States, serving as the seat of Spokane County. The name derives from the Spokane people, a Native American tribe indigenous to the area.

## Examples

- We are planning a trip to Spokane this summer.
- The city of Spokane is the economic and cultural hub of the Inland Northwest region.
- Located near the Idaho border, Spokane grew rapidly in the late nineteenth century as a center for mining, timber, and rail transportation.

## Usage notes

- When referring to the city or the people, it is a proper noun and must be capitalised.

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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.