Township
/ˈtaʊnʃɪp/
Definitions
3 meaningsA unit of local government, typically a division of a county.
/ˈtaʊnʃɪp/
A division of a county with some local governmental powers.
The residents of the township voted on the new school budget.
💡 Simply: Imagine a small community that's like a mini-government inside a bigger area. It's a township! They make decisions about things like parks and roads for their community.
👶 For kids: A township is like a little neighborhood that has its own leaders and rules.
More Examples
The fire department serves the entire township.
The township is responsible for maintaining the local roads.
How It's Used
"The township council met to discuss the new zoning laws."
"The farm was located within the boundaries of the local township."
A square area of land in the U.S. public land survey system, typically 6 miles by 6 miles.
/ˈtaʊnʃɪp/
A square division of land in the U.S. public land survey system.
The farm was located in township 10 North, Range 5 East.
💡 Simply: Imagine a giant checkerboard drawn on a map. Each square is a township, used to divide up the land. It helps to know where everything is!
👶 For kids: In a special way of dividing land, a township is like a big square piece on a map.
More Examples
The survey maps showed the boundaries of the townships.
The development spanned several townships.
How It's Used
"The surveyors divided the land into townships and sections."
"The Land Ordinance of 1785 established the township system."
A residential area, often established as a segregated community, particularly in South Africa.
/ˈtaʊnʃɪp/
A residential area in some countries, especially South Africa.
Many South African townships face challenges related to poverty.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, 'township' means a neighborhood or a community, especially in places like South Africa. These areas were sometimes set apart for certain groups of people.
👶 For kids: Sometimes a township is like a special neighborhood where people live.
More Examples
The artist grew up in a township outside of Johannesburg.
The community organized a cleanup in the township.
How It's Used
"Historically, townships in South Africa were segregated residential areas for non-whites."
"The government is investing in improving infrastructure in the townships."
Synonyms
Borough
District
Municipality
Parish
Section
Community
Ghetto
Settlement
From Middle English *touneshipe*, equivalent to town + -ship. The term historically denoted an area governed by a town or a subdivision of a county.
The term 'township' has been used for centuries, tracing back to early forms of local governance in England and later adopted in the Americas for land division and local administration.
Memory tip
Think of a ship sailing the town, governing its people.