# troy

/ˈtɹɔɪ/ (US) · /tɹˈɔɪ/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. ancient city

noun · CEFR B2

a famous city from ancient history and Greek stories, known for a long war involving a wooden horse.

For teachers: a legendary city in northwestern Anatolia, the setting of the Homeric Trojan War.

- In school, we read the story of how the Greeks captured the city of Troy.
- Archaeological excavations at the site of Troy have revealed multiple layers of settlement dating back to the Bronze Age.

### 2. weight system

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

a system of weights used for precious metals like gold, silver, and gemstones.

For teachers: relating to a system of units of mass, where a troy ounce is slightly heavier than a standard ounce.

- The price of gold is usually given per troy ounce.
- Investors must distinguish between standard ounces and troy ounces when calculating the market value of their bullion holdings.

Usage: Usually placed before the noun 'weight' or 'ounce'.

## Examples

- The story of Troy is one of the most famous legends in history.
- Archaeologists spent decades excavating the site to prove that the city of Troy actually existed.
- The fall of Troy serves as a foundational myth in Western literature, illustrating the themes of hubris, divine intervention, and the inevitable tragedy of war.

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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.