City
/ˈsɪti/
Definitions
A large town with a municipal corporation or other form of local government.
/ˈsɪti/
A large and densely populated urban area
New York City is famous for its skyscrapers.
💡 Simply: A city is like a big town with lots of buildings, people, and things to do. Imagine a place much bigger than your own town, with skyscrapers, busy streets, and parks. That's a city!
👶 For kids: A big town with lots of houses and shops!
More Examples
Many people move to the city to find work.
How It's Used
"London is a major city in the United Kingdom."
"The city council is developing a new urban renewal plan."
Idioms & expressions
city slicker
Someone who is thought to be sophisticated but also somewhat artificial, typically from a city.
"He's a city slicker who doesn't understand rural life."
From Old French 'cité', ultimately from Latin 'civitas', meaning 'citizenship' or 'state'.
The word 'city' has been used since the Middle Ages, and its meaning has largely remained consistent.
Memory tip
Think of 'civics' – cities are where citizens live and govern.