City Meaning and Definition
City
Pronunciation
/ˈsɪti/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A human settlement larger than a town but smaller than a metropolitan area, with a fixed boundary and a local government.
Etymology
The word “City” comes from the Latin “civilis,” meaning “civil” or “urban,” and is derived from the Greek “polis,” meaning “city” or “town.”
Usage Notes
When referring to a city, it is common to capitalize the name: “New York City,” rather than “new york city.”
Cultural References
The city is a central theme in many works of fiction, such as Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” and J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings.”
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- The city never sleeps
- Big city life
- To bring a city to its knees
Related Words or Phrases
- Town
- Metropolis
- Suburban
Collocations
- City life
- City streets
- City center
Frequency of Use
The word “City” is commonly used in modern language, particularly in references to urban areas and their characteristics.
Common Misspellings
- Citey
- Sity