township
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
in South Africa, an urban area that was originally created for Black, Coloured, or Indian people to live in.
in South Africa, an urban residential area historically designated for non-white occupation under apartheid; often remains a distinct socio-economic unit.
Simple“Many people in the township commute to the city centre for work every morning.”
In context“The government has invested in new infrastructure to improve living conditions within the township, though many residents still face significant economic challenges.”
UsageOften used in a historical or socio-political context regarding South African urban planning.
- 02 C1 Advanced
in the US and Canada, a small area of land that is part of a larger county.
a unit of local government or a land survey square, typically six miles on each side, used as a subdivision of a county.
Simple“The local township board meets once a month to discuss road repairs.”
In context“The property is located in a rural township where land use is strictly regulated to preserve the local farming heritage.”
UsageCommon in administrative, legal, and real estate contexts in North America.
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
in Australia and New Zealand, a very small town.
a small town or settlement, often serving as a local hub for a surrounding rural area.
Simple“We stopped at a quiet township to buy petrol and some snacks.”
In context“The historic township has become a popular destination for tourists seeking to experience the atmosphere of the early gold-mining era.”
Teacher's tipWhile 'town' is universal, 'township' in Australia specifically implies a very small, often rural, community.
SynonymsAntonyms
“In interviews Adetshina said she was born in Soweto - the South African township next to Johannesburg - and grew up in Cape Town.”
“This makes us confident that our results reflect the full range of communities, from small rural townships to large cities.”
From Middle English towneship, townschip, tounshipe, tunscipe, from Old English tūnsċipe (“the inhabitants of a town; township”), equivalent to town + -ship.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.