# Washington

/ˈwɑʃɪŋtən/ (US) · CEFR B1 · Noun

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

## Definition

the capital city of the United States. People also use this name to talk about the American government or its leaders.

For teachers: the federal capital of the United States of America. Metonymically used to refer to the U.S. federal government or its executive and legislative branches.

## Examples

- The president lives and works in Washington.
- Washington announced a new trade policy today that will affect several international partners.
- While the city itself is home to diverse neighborhoods, the name Washington is frequently used in political journalism to represent the collective decisions of the federal administration.

## Usage notes

- When used as a metonym for the government, it functions as a singular noun.

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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.