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noun B1 Intermediate Very common

district

DIHST-rihkt

District (noun) means an area defined for administrative, political, or geographic purposes. Example: “She represents a district in the north of the city.”

noun
1
An area defined for administrative, political, or geographic purposes.
"She represents a district in the north of the city."
"The historic district is full of old brick buildings."

How to Use District

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA defined area, often for government, voting, or local identity purposes.

Common pairings
school district historic district voting district

Word Forms

more district comparative, districted past tense, districts plural, districts singular, most district superlative

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Test yourself on “district” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

She represents a _____ in the north of the city.

Etymology

From Medieval Latin districtus, originally referring to the area under a lord's jurisdiction where he could seize property to enforce payment — from Latin distringere, "to draw apart" or "compel."

Origin: Medieval Latin

Related Words

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “district” mean?

The word “district” means an area defined for administrative, political, or geographic purposes. In plain terms, a defined area, often for government, voting, or local identity purposes.

How do you pronounce “district”?

“District” is pronounced DIHST-rihkt (/ˈdɪstɹɪkt/ in IPA).

How do you use “district” in a sentence?

Here is “district” used in a sentence: “She represents a district in the north of the city.”

What part of speech is “district”?

“District” is a noun.

Where does the word “district” come from?

The word “district” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin districtus, originally referring to the area under a lord's jurisdiction where he could seize property to enforce payment — from Latin distringere, "to draw apart" or "compel.".

Is “district” a common word?

“District” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

What is the difference between a district and a region?

A region is a broad, often loosely defined area, which may span several countries or a large part of one. A district is usually smaller and more precisely defined, marked out for a specific administrative, political, or postal purpose. Regions describe geography in general terms, while districts are official subdivisions with set boundaries.

What are the types of districts?

Districts are defined for many purposes, including electoral districts for voting, school districts for education, business or financial districts in cities, postal districts for mail, and administrative districts within a county or state. Some are units of local government, while others simply mark an area known for a particular activity.

What is an example of a district?

A school district, which sets the boundaries for which children attend which local schools, is a clear example. Others include an electoral district that elects one representative, a city's financial district, and a historic district protected for its architecture. Each is an area marked out for a defined purpose.

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