What does "township" mean?

1. (South African residential area) in South Africa, an urban area that was originally created for Black, Coloured, or Indian people to live in. 2. (North American land division) in the US and Canada, a small area of land that is part of a larger county. 3. (small town) in Australia and New Zealand, a very small town.

How do you use "township"?

Often used in a historical or socio-political context regarding South African urban planning. Common in administrative, legal, and real estate contexts in North America.

township

US //ˈtaʊnʃɪp// UK //tˈaʊnʃɪp// town·ship

1 South African residential area (n.)
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.

Example

Many people in the township commute to the city centre for work every morning.

Example

The government has invested in new infrastructure to improve living conditions within the township, though many residents still face significant economic challenges.

Usage

Often used in a historical or socio-political context regarding South African urban planning.
2 North American land division (n.)
C1 Advanced American English Technical

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.

Example

The local township board meets once a month to discuss road repairs.

Example

The property is located in a rural township where land use is strictly regulated to preserve the local farming heritage.

Usage

Common in administrative, legal, and real estate contexts in North America.
- district
- precinct

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3 small town (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Dialect

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.

Example

We stopped at a quiet township to buy petrol and some snacks.

Example

The historic township has become a popular destination for tourists seeking to experience the atmosphere of the early gold-mining era.

Teacher's tip

While 'town' is universal, 'township' in Australia specifically implies a very small, often rural, community.
- city
- metropolis

Origin

From Middle English towneship, townschip, tounshipe, tunscipe, from Old English tūnsċipe (“the inhabitants of a town; township”), equivalent to town + -ship.