First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
metropolis
noun me·trop·o·lis \mə-ˈträ-p(ə-)ləs\
: a very large or important city
Full Definition of METROPOLIS
1
: the chief or capital city of a country, state, or region
2
: the city or state of origin of a colony (as of ancient Greece)
3
a : a city regarded as a center of a specified activity b : a large important city
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Origin of METROPOLIS
Related to METROPOLIS
- Synonyms
- asphalt jungle, burg, cosmopolis, megacity, megalopolis, city, municipality, town
Other Government and Politics Terms
Rhymes with METROPOLIS
METROPOLIS Defined for Kids
metropolis
noun me·trop·o·lis \mə-ˈträ-pə-ləs\
Definition of METROPOLIS for Kids
1
: the chief or capital city of a country, state, or region
2
: a large or important city
Word Root of METROPOLIS
The Greek word polis, meaning “city” or “community,” and the related word polītēs, meaning “citizen,” give us the roots polis and polit. Words from Greek polis and polītēs have something to do with cities or communities or the citizens who live in them. A metropolis is the most important city in an area. The police are a group that enforces the law so as to protect citizens. Politics is the science and art of governing citizens.
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