First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
town
noun \ˈtau̇n\
: a place where people live that is larger than a village but smaller than a city
: the people in a town
the town : the government of a town
Full Definition of TOWN
1
dial English : a cluster or aggregation of houses recognized as a distinct place with a place-name : hamlet
2
a : a compactly settled area as distinguished from surrounding rural territory b : a compactly settled area usually larger than a village but smaller than a city c : a large densely populated urban area : city d : an English village having a periodic fair or market
3
: a particular town or city under consideration <the circus came to town>
4
: the city or urban life as contrasted with the country
5
a : the inhabitants of a city or town <practically the whole town turned out for the parade> b : the townspeople of a college or university town as distinct from the academic community <relations between town and gown>
6
: a New England territorial and political unit usually containing under a single town government both rural areas and urban areas not having their own charter of incorporation; also : a New England community governed by a town meeting
7
: a group of prairie dog burrows
— town adjective
— on the town
: in usually carefree pursuit of entertainment or amusement (as city nightlife) especially as a relief from routine
See town defined for English-language learners
See town defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of TOWN
Middle English, from Old English tūn enclosure, village, town; akin to Old High German zūn enclosure, Old Irish dún fortress
Related to TOWN
- Synonyms
- asphalt jungle, burg, cosmopolis, megacity, megalopolis, metropolis, municipality, city
TOWN Defined for Kids
town
noun \ˈtau̇n\
Definition of TOWN for Kids
1
: a thickly settled area that is usually larger than a village but smaller than a city
2
: the people of a town <The whole town came out to watch the parade.>
Learn More About TOWN
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up town? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).