town
- 01 A1 Beginner
a place with houses, shops, and offices that is bigger than a village.
a populated area with fixed boundaries and a local government, typically larger than a rural village.
Simple“We went into town to buy some new clothes for the party.”
In context“The small market town has seen significant growth over the last decade as more people move away from the expensive city centre.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 A1 Beginner
the central part of a town where the main shops and businesses are.
the central business or commercial district of a settlement, often used without an article.
Simple“I'll be in town all afternoon if you want to meet for coffee.”
In context“Most of the local residents prefer to shop in town rather than driving to the large retail parks on the outskirts.”
UsageOften used without 'the' in phrases like 'go to town' or 'in town'.
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
the people who live in a town, rather than students at a nearby university.
the permanent residents of a community, specifically in contrast to a university population.
Simple“There is sometimes tension between the town and the university students.”
In context“The mayor is working hard to improve relations between the town and the growing student population.”
UsageCommonly used in the phrase 'town and gown' to describe relations between a city and its university.
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
a name used by people in the UK to mean London, especially the centre.
a specific reference to London, particularly the central commercial and social districts.
Simple“He spends the week in town for work and goes home to the country on weekends.”
In context“For those living in the home counties, a night out in town usually involves catching the last train from Waterloo.”
Synonymslondonthe capital - 05 C1 Advanced
a local government organization that runs a specific area.
a municipal corporation or legal body defined by law to govern a specific territory.
Simple“The town voted to increase funding for the local library.”
In context“The town brought a legal injunction against the developer for violating local zoning ordinances.”
Synonyms
Usage town centre · town centres · town to people