# ville

/ˈvɪɫ/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ville
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

an old word for a small town or village. You might see this in history books or very old stories.

For teachers: a village or small town. Archaic in modern English; occasionally encountered in historical military contexts or as a suffix in place names.

## Examples

- The soldiers marched toward the quiet ville.
- The regiment established a temporary headquarters in a small ville just across the border.
- Historical accounts describe the area as a collection of scattered villes, each serving as a local hub for the surrounding agricultural estates.

## Usage notes

- Primarily archaic; in modern usage, it is most frequently seen as a suffix in toponyms like 'Louisville' or 'Nashville'.

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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.