town

Plural

towns

1. 1.A settlement; an area with residential districts, shops and amenities, and its own local government; especially one larger than a village and smaller than a city, historically enclosed by a fence or walls, with total populations ranging from several hundred to more than a hundred thousand (as of the early 21st century)

   • This town is really dangerous because these youngsters have Beretta handguns.
   • Fortifications and town walls clearly highlight the central military significance of towns.
   • The medieval town, at least in continental Europe, was walled, and without its defences it was no town.

2. 2.Any more urbanized centre than the place of reference.

   • I'll be in Yonkers, then I'm driving into town to see the Knicks at the Garden tonight.

3. 3.The residents (as opposed to gown: the students, faculty, etc.) of a community which is the site of a university.

   • Tom left town three weeks ago.
   • In town, the shops were closed.
   • The circus has come to town.

4. 4.Used to refer to a town or similar entity under discussion.(colloquial)

   • It's quiet in this part of town.
   • They put up "lost dog" posters all over town.
   • My apartment is five minutes from the center of town.

Overall

Common· #553

By learning goal

Everyday conversation

Uncommon

General reading & writing

Common

Academic

Rare

Literature

Uncommon